[Ord. 5/9/1972, § 300; as amended by Ord. 5/9/1991, § 1; by Ord. 12/12/1991B, § 5;
and by Ord. 9/9/2004, § 7]
1. Classification of Districts. Montour Township is hereby divided into
districts of different types, each being of such number, shape, kind
and area and of such common unity of purpose and adaptability of use
deemed most suitable to carry out the objectives of this chapter.
C
|
Conservation Districts
|
A
|
Agricultural Districts
|
SR
|
Suburban Residential Districts
|
VR
|
Village Residential Districts
|
HC
|
Highway Commercial Districts
|
2. Zoning Map. The boundaries of the zoning districts are delineated
on a separate digital orthophoto (aerial photograph) base map, supplied
by the Columbia County Geographic Information System Office, which
shows approximate tax parcel boundaries. This map, entitled "Montour
Township Zoning Map," together with all explanatory matter thereon,
is hereby made a part of this chapter. Where a Zoning Map change is
proposed or petitioned (also referred to as a rezoning), notice of
the public hearing shall be posted conspicuously by the Township at
points deemed sufficient by the Township along the tract to notify
potentially interested citizens. The affected tract or area shall
be posted at least one week prior to the date of the hearing. Notice
of the hearing, including the location of the property involved plus
the location, date and time of the hearing, shall be mailed by the
Township, at least 30 days prior to the hearing, by first class mail,
to the addresses to which real estate tax bills are sent for all property
located within the area to be rezoned. Within 30 days after enactment,
a copy of the amendment shall be forwarded to the Columbia County
Planning Commission.
3. Interpretation of District Boundaries. Where uncertainty exists with
respect to the boundaries of a district as indicated on a Zoning Map,
the following rules shall apply.
A. Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately coinciding
with the center lines of streets, highways, railroad lines or streams,
such center lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
B. Where district boundaries are so indicated that they approximately
coincide with lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be said
boundaries; or where district boundaries are extensions of lot lines
or connect the intersections of lot lines, such lines shall be said
district boundaries.
C. Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are approximately
parallel to center lines of streets and highways, such district boundaries
shall be construed as parallel thereto and at such distances therefrom
as indicated on the Zoning Map.
D. In the case of uncertainty as to the true location of a district
boundary line in a particular instance, the Zoning Officer shall request
the Zoning Hearing Board to render its determination with respect
thereto. However, no boundary shall be changed by the Zoning Hearing
Board. If such true location of a boundary line cannot be determined
by interpretation of the Zoning Hearing Board, a request for corrective
action shall be filed with the Township Supervisors.
E. Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was in single
ownership at the time of enactment of this chapter, or enactment of
any changes to the Zoning Map which affect the parcel in question,
the Zoning Hearing Board may determine, as a special exception, which
district regulations apply for either portion of the lot so long as
the total area subject to the special exception is not larger than
one acre.
[Ord. 5/9/1972, § 310; as amended by Ord. 12/12/1991B, § 6; and by Ord. 9/9/2004, § 8]
1. Conservation District (C). In areas where major physiographic features
exist, accessibility is difficult or unique natural beauty exists,
Conservation Districts are established to conserve the existing character
of such areas and utilize the resource capabilities by providing for
low intensity residential, agricultural or recreational uses, thus
guiding more intensive land development into more appropriate zoning
districts. In view of the need for alternative energy sources and
the need for a minimum generally prevailing wind speed to make wind
generation of electricity feasible, certain locations within Montour
Township in Conservation Districts may be approved for individual
wind turbines or large-scale commercial wind farms, subject to requirements
of this chapter and additional specific safeguards and conditions
imposed by the Township.
[Amended 5/13/2010]
2. Agricultural Districts (A). In areas not expected to be served with
sewage collection and treatment and not expected to attract substantial
development or where agricultural activity remains strong, Agricultural
Districts are established to protect and stabilize agriculture as
an ongoing economic activity protected by the PA Right To Farm Act;
at the same time, recognizing the general decline in agricultural
activity, reasonable alternative economic activities are provided.
In view of the need for alternative energy sources and the need for
a minimum generally prevailing wind speed to make wind generation
of electricity feasible, certain locations within Montour Township
in Agricultural Districts may be approved for large-scale commercial
wind farms, subject to requirements of this chapter and additional
specific safeguards and conditions imposed by the Township. An individual
wind turbine may be approved in Agricultural Districts as part of
an agricultural homestead or enterprise.
[Amended 9/13/2007; and
by 5/13/2010]
3. Suburban Residential Districts (SR). In areas where residential development
patterns are established with reasonable access to the collector street
network, Suburban Residential Districts are established. It shall
be the purpose of these districts to promote and encourage a suitable
and safe environment for family life by providing only for single-family
residences and residential support land uses. Cluster development
is encouraged for primarily owner-occupied dwellings.
[Amended 9/13/2007]
4. Village Residential Districts (VR). Building upon an established
residential concentration with a reasonable potential for public sewage
collection and treatment, the Village Residential District is extended
to provide for moderate density residential of varied architectural
styles and dwelling types and planned developments of mixed but compatible
land uses. It shall be the purpose of such districts to maintain and
provide for moderate density providing for higher density residential
uses, limited commercial uses serving the immediate areas and appropriate
public activities.
5. Highway Commercial Districts (HC). Highway Commercial Districts are
established to accommodate retail or wholesale business activities
which either serve a regional market, offer merchandise oriented to
the highway uses or function best on individual land parcels and thus
are not normally part of an integrated shopping area or center. It
shall be the purpose of such districts to provide for the routine
shopping needs of the Township and adjacent communities.
6. Industrial (I). Industrial Districts are established for the manufacturing,
compounding, processing, assembly or treatment of materials, articles
or merchandise.
[Amended 5/13/2010]