The Borough of Coopersburg is hereby divided into zoning districts of different types to carry out the objectives of this Ordinance. Each parcel of land and every structure in the Borough, except as otherwise provided by law or by this Ordinance, shall be subject to the regulations specified for the district in which it is located. The Borough is divided into the following zoning districts, with the following abbreviations and that serve the following purposes, in addition to the overall purposes of this Ordinance:
A. 
R-1 Low Density Residential District. To provide for and to protect the integrity of low-density residential neighborhoods that are primarily comprised of single family detached dwellings.
B. 
R-1/O Low Density Residential District. To serve the purposes of the R-1 district, while also allowing offices and similar uses along Main Street and areas adjacent to the Town Center.
C. 
R-2 Medium Density Residential District. To provide for medium-density neighborhoods with a mix of housing types, in a manner that respects and continues traditional forms of development.
D. 
R-3 Medium High Density Residential District. To provide for a neighborhood with a mix of housing types, in a manner that respects and continues traditional forms of development.
E. 
TC Town Center District. To provide for an orderly coordinated development of varied commercial business, arts, cultural, institutional and residential development in the downtown. To promote pedestrian-friendly uses, as opposed to uses that are auto dependent.
F. 
CN Neighborhood Commercial District. To provide for a mix of housing types and selected types of less intensive types of commercial uses in areas that include many nearby existing homes. The intent is to avoid uses that are most likely to generate nuisances or hazards for nearby residents, such as twenty-four-hour operations.
G. 
CG General Commercial District. To provide for a wide variety of commercial uses, including more intensive commercial uses, in areas that include fewer existing homes. To manage traffic to avoid congestion and safety hazards, particularly in regards to access to major streets.
H. 
LIC Light Industrial/Commercial District. To provide for a variety of industrial development, while not allowing for heavy industrial uses that are likely to result in hazards or nuisances.
I. 
GI General Industrial/Commercial District. To provide suitable areas for a wide variety of industrial uses and a few selected commercial uses, including intensive uses that must be allowed under state law.
J. 
REC Recreation District. To recognize recreation areas that are open to the public and to encourage their continuation.
The Borough of Coopersburg Zoning Map shall consist of one or more map(s) accurately showing the boundaries of various zoning districts. The zoning map information may be maintained and updated using digital and/or paper versions. At least one paper copy of the official map shall be maintained and available in the office of the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Map and all notes and measurements shown thereon are hereby incorporated by reference into this Zoning Ordinance and shall be as much a part of this Zoning Ordinance as if all were fully described in this text.
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries between districts as shown on the Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply.
A. 
Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately coinciding with streets, alleys, waterways, or railroad rights-of-way, the center line of such features shall be construed to be such boundaries, unless otherwise indicated on the Map. The zoning district boundaries shall extend to the Borough border, even if a border is not accurately portrayed on the Zoning Map.
B. 
Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately coinciding with lot lines that existed at the time of the adoption of the Zoning Map, they shall be construed as following such lot lines.
C. 
Where district boundaries do not coincide with a physical feature or lot line, and are not fixed by dimensions on the Zoning Map or notes, the boundary shall be determined using a scale.
D. 
Whenever any street, alley, or other public right-of-way is vacated, the zoning district adjoining each side of such street, alley, or public right-of-way shall be automatically extended to the center of such vacation.
For the regulations pertaining to the Floodplain District, which is an overlay to the regular zoning districts, see the Borough Flood Hazard Ordinance in Chapter 132 of the Codified Ordinances and Federal Floodplain Maps.
If a use clearly is not permitted by right or as a special exception use or a conditional use by this Ordinance within any zoning district, the use is prohibited, except that the Zoning Hearing Board may permit such use as a special exception use if the applicant specifically proves to the clear satisfaction of the Zoning Hearing Board that all of the following conditions would be met:
A. 
The proposed use would be no more intensive with respect to external impacts and nuisances than uses that are allowed in the district;
B. 
The proposed use would be closely similar in impacts and character to uses allowed in that district;
C. 
The use would meet the standards that would apply under § 230-85 to a special exception use; and
D. 
The use is not specifically prohibited in that district.