The Zoning Ordinance represents a key regulatory mechanism for
achieving the land use pattern and quality of development articulated
in Plan Peters 2022, the Township's Comprehensive Plan. The Plan expresses
guiding principles to form the basis for future land use and capital
investment decisions based on the commonly held community values revealed
during the planning process. The following principles are rooted in
the features of Peters Township that stakeholders, residents, local
leaders, business owners and other participants, prized the most,
and they define elements of the future community the Township wishes
to become. These statements underpin the Zoning Ordinance and should
inform the way in which it is administered and enforced.
A.
Promote unique activity centers. Encourage the development of unique
activity centers that include a mix of uses and activities located
close together, providing people with new options for places to live,
work, shop and participate in civic life. Centers should vary in scale,
use and intensity depending on location and context. Activity centers
are represented by a hierarchy of walkable neighborhoods with complementary
commercial uses, mixed-use activity centers, and an identifiable town
center, all of which reflect the unique character of Peters Township.
The presence of activity centers should further the economic vitality
and sustainability of the Township, while also promoting social interaction
and community building.
B.
Emphasize housing choice and diversity. Provide a greater range of
housing choices to enable a diversity of people at all stages of life
to enjoy Peters Township, including young adults, families, empty
nesters, retirees, seniors and people of different income levels.
Housing opportunities should include small homes on small lots, multifamily
housing, and live-work units, in addition to large, single-family
homes prevalent in the area. A more diversified housing strategy will
promote housing choice and a more livable community.
C.
Stay forever green. Promote and preserve natural areas of Peters
Township, including ponds, woods, trails, working farms and parks.
Strive to create an interconnected network of green space that conserves
critical natural areas, supports working farms, provides recreational
linkages, protects water quality and quantity and contributes to the
identity and sense of place within the community. If properties develop,
create usable open spaces that contribute to the overall character
and experience of the community.
D.
Build Township character and identity. Coordinate building architecture,
site design and streetscape improvements in the planning area to reinforce
a distinct brand or image unique to Peters Township. The highest priority
should be to connect, re-purpose or re-use existing retail and employment
centers that promote economic development and increase the quantity
and quality of public spaces and community gathering areas throughout
the Township.
E.
Increase transportation choice and walkability. Provide a safe, reliable
transportation system that balances all modes of transportation, including
walking, biking, transit and cars. Consider land use and infrastructure
together, promoting street connectivity and complete streets that
emphasize the quality and character of both the thoroughfare and adjoining
development. Concentrate on both destination-based as well as recreational
trips, promoting active living for all ages, with special attention
given to the mobility of children and seniors.
F.
Enhance the municipal advantage. Promote a healthy and sustainable
business environment by building a community that is attractive to
employers and their workers. Continue to promote Peters Township and
build a competitive advantage to attract knowledge-based businesses
to the area. Investment and recruitment initiatives should realize
triple bottom-line benefits for Township residents by seeking to improve
the tax base, promote economic vitality for local shops and businesses,
and increase access to employment opportunities in the area.
G.
Excel in education and Township service. Continue to advance quality
of life for all residents of Peters Township by maintaining and expanding
education and Township services, while ensuring that elected officials
are good stewards of Township assets. This includes a strong partnership
with the Peters Township School District to support their programming
and academic achievement, while continuing to earn strong community
support.
The guiding principles are tied together in the vision expressed
in Plan Peters 2022. The vision embodies the desires articulated throughout
the planning process. It is a broad statement of the ideal character
of the community:
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"Peters Township will continue to do what it does best —
provide an enviable living environment with great schools, efficient
services, proactive government and significant open spaces - while
enhancing its competitive position in the region as a fiscally and
environmentally sustainable community through increased housing choices
for all stages of life, expanded employment opportunities, vibrant
activity nodes, walkable neighborhoods and improved connectivity."
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This chapter contains sections that describe various aspects
of requirements that apply to land use within Peters Township. In
evaluating a proposed use for a site:
A.
Review the Zoning Map to determine the district classification for
the subject property.
B.
Refer to Part 4 to determine whether the proposed use is permitted in the district. The chapter will note if the use is permitted by right, special exception, conditional use or administrative approval.
C.
Review the dimensional tables in Part 4 to see the permissible lot
area, lot width, yard requirements, building height, lot coverage
and other district-specific standards for the location.
D.
See Part 5 for general regulations that apply to all uses, such as
for accessory structures, buffer yards, outdoor storage, parking,
screening and lighting.
E.
Refer to Part 6 to determine whether there are any operating performance
standards or supplemental regulations for the proposed use.
F.
Review sign requirements in Part 7 to determine the types and sizes
of signs that are permitted by district, in addition to other details.
G.
Refer to Part 10 for an explanation of related applications and review/approval
procedures.
H.
Refer to Part 11 for regulations relating to floodplains.
