This chapter is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of Norristown, and Article VI, Zoning, and Article VII, Traditional Neighborhood Development, of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code Act of 1968, as reenacted and amended. This chapter is enacted for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the municipality, and is designed to lessen congestion in the streets and highways; to secure safety from fire, panic and other danger; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue congestion of population; to facilitate schools, parks and other public requirements; to conserve the value of buildings; and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to the minimum requirements for the promotion of the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the municipality. The Comprehensive Plan in accordance with which this chapter is enacted and which is reflected in the provisions of this chapter has been formulated to implement the purpose set forth in § 320-1.
A.
The general objectives of this Zoning Chapter, in accordance with
the Comprehensive Plan, are:
(1)
Guiding and encouraging the future development of the municipality
in accordance with comprehensive planning of land use and population
density that represents the most beneficial and convenient relationships
among the residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational
areas within the municipality, having regard to their suitability
for the various uses appropriate to each of them and their potentiality
for such uses, as indicated by topography and soil conditions, existing
man-made conditions and trends in population, in the direction and
manner of the use of land, in building development and in economic
activity, considering such conditions and trends both within the municipality
and with respect to the relation of the municipality to surrounding
areas.
(2)
Protecting the character and the social and economic stability of
each of such areas and encouraging their orderly and beneficial growth.
(3)
Protecting and conserving the value of land and buildings throughout
the municipality, depending upon necessity of circumstances, appropriate
to the various zoning districts established herein.
(4)
Bringing about, through proper timing, the gradual conformity of
land use with the Comprehensive Plan aforesaid and minimizing conflicts
among the uses of land and buildings.
(5)
Aiding in bringing about the most beneficial relation between land
use and the circulation of traffic throughout the municipality, having
particular regard to traffic to and from the expressways and to avoidance
of congestion in the streets and the provision of safe and convenient
access appropriate to the various land uses.
(6)
Aiding in providing a guide for public policy and action in the efficient
provision of public facilities and services, in the provision of safe
and proper sanitary sewage disposal and for private enterprise in
building development, investment and other economic activity relating
to land use.
B.
Insofar as such objectives are consistent with the purpose set forth in § 320-1 and with the aforesaid minimum requirements therefor, the provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted, administered and applied in such manner as will facilitate attainment of said objectives and all others permitted by law.
A.
The general objectives of this Zoning Chapter, in accordance with
Chapter 3, Goals, Objectives and Strategies, of the Comprehensive
Plan of 2009, are to:
(1)
Improve and enhance the downtown to recreate a strong business district
as an attractive hub for Norristown and as the County Seat, a viable
destination for the surrounding region.
(2)
Maintain existing walkable neighborhoods, and their traditional character.
(3)
Adaptively reuse existing noteworthy buildings, revitalize sites
that are vacant or underutilized, and create new attractive development
in scale and proportion to the traditional character of Norristown.
(4)
Protect and preserve historic resources in order to maintain the
character and charm of the historic districts and stimulate new economic
development.
(5)
Enrich the quality of life in Norristown through cultural resources
development and hospitality.
B.
Additional goals as noted in the Comprehensive Plan of 2009, are
to:
(1)
Improve vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian circulation and safety.
(2)
Promote multi-modal transportation.
(3)
Create hybrid zoning districts for all of Norristown to improve the
design and functionality of infill and redevelopment projects.
(4)
Encourage infill development to be compatible and complementary to
existing neighborhood in terms of building facade orientation, scale,
massing, the use of traditional building materials, and the location
of streetscape features such as sidewalks, curbing, street trees and
on and off-street parking.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul
or interfere with any existing ordinance or enactment or with any
rule, regulation or permit adopted or issued thereunder, except insofar
as the same may be inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions
of this chapter, provided that where this chapter imposes greater
restrictions upon the use of buildings or land or upon the height
and bulk of buildings or prescribes larger open spaces than are required
by the provisions of such ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation or
permit, then the provisions of this chapter shall control.
