[Amended 9-12-2017 by Ord. No. 05-2017]
The title shall be "An ordinance amending the
Londonderry Township Zoning Ordinance of 1971, as amended, permitting,
prohibiting, regulating, restricting, and determining the uses of
land, watercourses, and other bodies of water; the size, heights,
bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration,
razing, removal, and use of 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; the location
and size of signs; creating zoning districts and establishing the
boundaries thereof; continuing the office of Zoning Officer; continuing
a Zoning Hearing Board, and providing for the administration, amendment,
and enforcement of the ordinance, including the imposition of penalties,
in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code, Act 247, as amended,[1] and the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act of 1978,
as amended,[2] and repealing all ordinances (or parts thereof) in conflict
herewith."
This chapter shall be known and may be cited
as the "Londonderry Township Zoning Ordinance of 1979," (amending
the Londonderry Township Zoning Ordinance of 1971).
This chapter is enacted to promote, protect
and facilitate the public health, safety, morals, general welfare,
coordinated and practical community development, proper density of
population, the provisions of adequate light and air, police protection,
vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewerage,
schools, public grounds and other public requirements, as well as
to prevent overcrowding of land, blight, danger, and congestion in
travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire,
flood, panic or other dangers. This chapter is enacted in accordance
with the overall program and with consideration for the character
of the Township, its various parts and the suitability of the various
parts for particular uses and structures.
From and after the effective date of this chapter,
the use of all land and every building or structure or portion of
a building or structure erected, altered with respect to the height
and area, added to, or relocated, and every use within a building
or structure or use accessory thereto, in Londonderry Township shall
be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Any building
or land not in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed at
the date of adoption of this chapter shall be regarded as nonconforming
but may be continued, extended or changed subject to the special regulations
herein provided with respect to nonconforming buildings, structures
or uses.
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 § 170-3 hereinabove, in the respect stated, and more particularly with a view toward the following objectives:
A.
Maintain and improve the existing residential character
of the Township.
B.
Insure that the varied land uses within the Township
are logically located in their relationship to one another.
C.
Provide for realistic population densities as appropriate
to the Township's existing residential character, environmental determinants
and projected public utility capabilities.
D.
Insure the efficient movement of traffic.
E.
Provide adequate public utilities, protection, open
space, privacy, services, and facilities and in the most efficient
manner.
F.
Stimulate the local economy by encouraging control
and appropriate commercial and industrial growth.
G.
Encourage and promote the provisions of a wide range
and variety of housing types to meet the needs of all Township residents,
including newly formed households, growing families, and senior citizens.
H.
Coordinate the kinds and intensities of land uses
with regional and neighboring comprehensive planning objectives.
I.
Protect the agricultural lands and prime agricultural
soils of the Township and encourage the long term viability of agricultural
operations and the supporting agricultural industry.
[Added 7-8-2003 by Ord. No. 4-2003]
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 the Township and its citizens. It is not intended by this chapter
to interfere with or abrogate or annul 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 ordinance, rules, regulations or permits, or by easements,
covenants, building restrictions or agreements, the provisions of
this chapter shall control.
No uses shall be permitted in any district which
directly violate any Township ordinances.
Where applicable, all development shall be subject to the provisions and requirements delineated in Chapter 130, Subdivision and Land Development, as amended.
