This chapter is enacted for the purpose of assuring sites suitable for building purposes and human habitation and to provide for the harmonious development of Metal Township; for the coordination of existing streets with proposed streets; for adequate open space for traffic, recreation, light and air, and for proper distribution of population, thereby creating conditions favorable to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the citizens of Metal Township.
The provisions of this chapter should be held to be minimum requirements to meet the above stated purposes; where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance, or regulations, the provisions of this chapter should prevail. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance, or regulations, impose greater restrictions than those of this chapter, the provisions of such statute, other ordinance, or regulation should prevail.
This chapter may be cited as "Metal Township Subdivision and Land Development Controls."
In addition to the foregoing, this chapter is adopted in the interest of protecting and promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, and should be deemed to include, among others, the goals of the 1999 Franklin County Comprehensive Plan, the contents of which are hereby ratified, approved, adopted, and incorporated herein by reference as fully as those set forth at length herein, by the Metal Township Board of Supervisors.
A. 
The important natural and agricultural resources of Metal Township should be preserved; they include air, land, and water. Therefore, the Township should act to:
(1) 
Encourage the preservation of large contiguous parcels of prime farmland.
(2) 
Ensure that development respects the natural features of the land, especially creek valleys, wetlands and very steeply sloped lands.
(3) 
Protect the quality of air, groundwater and surface waters, with particular attention on public water supplies.
B. 
The widest possible range of educational, recreational, and governmental facilities should be provided with capacity to serve future growth. A well-distributed system of public recreation facilities should be provided and coordinated with public schools, residential development patterns, and open space preservation efforts. The full coordination of community services should be encouraged across municipal borders with an emphasis on public water, public sewage, police, fire and emergency medical services.
C. 
Although the single-family house will remain the predominant dwelling type, provisions should be made for other types of housing in selected areas. Opportunities should be provided for a variety of housing types with an emphasis on affordable owner occupied housing. The preservation and rehabilitation of historically significant architecture should be emphasized.
D. 
Business and industry should be encouraged for development and expansion in appropriate areas to provide tax revenue and wider employment opportunities. A diversity of jobs is preferred to meet the varied skills of local residents. Small neighborhood commercial areas should be allowed that will minimize the need for long trips for everyday necessities. Strip commercial development along major roads should be discouraged by directing most commercial uses to other existing commercial areas with coordinated traffic access.
E. 
The Township should provide for land uses that are compatible between uses and municipal borders. Development should be directed to locations where public water and sewage services can be efficiently provided, and should also be accommodated in a manner that minimizes the amount of land consumed. Conflicts between agriculture and other uses should be minimized. The livability of residential areas should also be protected with an emphasis on strengthening older neighborhoods.
F. 
A safe and efficient highway and transportation network should be provided. The Township will work aggressively to obtain funding and to complete needed road improvements. Vehicle access onto major roads will be managed and coordinated to avoid conflicts with through traffic. When warranted, developers should improve adjoining roads that provide access to their developments. Road links should be identified that will be needed in the future to provide alternative routes around existing problem areas.
G. 
In summary, the Comprehensive Plan should contribute to the healthy economy of the Township and the efficient provision of public services. Cooperation and coordination should be promoted across municipal borders and between agencies. Recommendations should be made for the best methods of land development to developers and property owners. Plans should be made for needed public improvements in coordination with development.
This chapter has been drafted and enacted after consideration and incorporation of the guidelines set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as well as the procedural safeguards required by the common law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania [See, e.g., Board of Supervisors of Franklin Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania v. Meals, 57 Pa. Commonwealth Ct. 129, 426 A.2d 1200 (1981); Board of Supervisors of Upper Frederick Township v. Moland Development Company, 19 Pa. Commonwealth Ct. 207, 339 A.2d 141 (1975)].