A chapter permitting, prohibiting, regulating, restricting and determining the uses of land, watercourses and other bodies of water; the size, height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal and use of structures; the areas and dimensions or land and bodies of water to be occupied by uses and structures as well as courts, yards and other open spaces and distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures; the density of population and intensity of use; and providing for the administration of such chapter.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Charleston Township Zoning Ordinance."
This chapter is enacted for the following purposes:
A. 
To promote, protect and facilitate one or more of the following: the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, civil defense, disaster evacuation, airports, and national defense facilities; and the provision of adequate light and air, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, public grounds and other public requirements.
B. 
To prevent one or more of the following: overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of health, safety, morals, and the general welfare of Charleston Township and its citizens. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with abrogate or annual any rules or regulations previously adopted or permits previously issued by the Township which are not in conflict with any provisions of this chapter, nor is it intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants, building restrictions, or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of the buildings or premises or upon the height of the building, or requires a larger open space than is imposed or required by such chapter, rules, regulations or permits, or by easements, covenants, building restrictions or agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
A. 
Use of property. No building or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved, or altered unless in conformity with the regulations herein specified.
B. 
Restrictions.
(1) 
No building shall hereafter be erected or altered:
(a) 
To exceed the height specified herein;
(b) 
To accommodate a greater number of families than are specified herein;
(c) 
To occupy a greater percentage of lot area than is specified herein;
(d) 
To have narrower or smaller rear yards, front yards or side yards than are specified herein;
(e) 
To be on a site that has experienced periodic flooding.
(2) 
No part of a yard or other open space required about any building for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be included as a part of a yard or other open space similarly required for another building.
(3) 
This chapter shall not apply to any existing or proposed building or extension thereof used or to be used by public utility corporations, if upon petition of the corporation, the Public Utility Commission shall, after a public hearing, decide that the present or proposed situation of the building in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public.
This chapter shall take effect on the 16th day of June, 1975.