This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Upper Uwchlan Township Zoning Ordinance of 1989, as amended."
This chapter is designed to:
A. 
Promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, civil defense, the provisions of adequate light and air, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, public grounds and other public improvements; as well as
B. 
Prevent the overcrowding of land, blight, danger, and congestion in travel and transportation, and loss of health, life or property from fire, flooding, panic or other dangers; and, toward these ends, this chapter is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of Upper Uwchlan Township, with consideration for the character of the Township, its various parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. Where the provisions of this chapter imposes greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance, or regulation, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.
A. 
From and after the effective date of this chapter, use of all land, every building or portion of a building erected, altered in respect to height or area, added to, or relocated, and every use hereafter established with any building or use accessory thereto in the Township of Upper Uwchlan shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Any building, structure or use of a building or land existing at the effective date of this chapter which is not in conformity herewith may be continued, extended or changed only in accordance with the regulations herein contained relating to nonconforming building and land uses.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or interfere with any existing ordinance of 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.
While more fully set forth in the Upper Uwchlan Township Comprehensive Plan, as amended, the following community development objectives summarize the broad framework within which the more specific zoning regulations herein are drawn:
A. 
To preserve the open, rural character of the Township and to maintain the quality of the existing scenic landscape.
B. 
To conserve those natural features of the Township that form its character and setting, that comprise resource opportunities, or that pose threats to public health or safety when managed improperly.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
C. 
To preserve and protect the historic resources of Upper Uwchlan Township.
D. 
To provide the opportunity for a range of housing types within the Township that are in keeping with the rural character and are sufficient to serve the affected population and preclude any questions of exclusion by the Township.
E. 
To provide continued opportunities for commercial and industrial development with similar intensities as, and at locations adjacent to, complementary uses that are appropriate to the regional role of the Township.
F. 
To establish a safe and efficient Township circulation system, both vehicular and nonvehicular; limiting new road construction to that which serves new development or remedies a documented safety problem, fully integrating new roadways with existing Township and regional traffic systems.
G. 
To provide community facilities and services to meet the needs of residents, landowners, and to accommodate future population as identified in the plan, consistent with the statutory and fiscal capabilities of the Township.
H. 
To foster agriculture as a viable industry and as a desirable open space use.
I. 
To continue to undertake Township administration responsibilities in an efficient and responsive manner.
J. 
To monitor the process of development and periodically compare the performance in the Township against the proposals of the Comprehensive Plan, adjusting either or both as necessary.