Aleppo Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
§ 400-1 Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Aleppo Township Zoning Ordinance," and the Zoning Map referred to herein and adopted as part of this chapter shall be known as the "Aleppo Township Zoning Map." The Zoning Map can be found in Appendix A.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 400-2 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote, protect, and facilitate the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents of Aleppo Township by:
A.
Encouraging and facilitating the orderly, coordinated, and practical development of the Aleppo-Sewickley-Glen Osborne (ASO) area and promoting balanced growth that will maintain and enhance residents' quality of life and the distinctive character of each community by capitalizing on natural, cultural, recreational, and commercial assets; identified land uses within this chapter shall be considered mutually shared with all communities participating in the ASO Joint Comprehensive Plan;
B.
Lessening the danger and congestion of traffic on the roads and highways and providing for adequate off-street parking and loading for all land uses;
C.
Securing safety from fire, panic, flood, and other dangers;
D.
Providing for adequate light and air;
E.
Promoting such distribution of population and classification and utilization of land as will facilitate and conserve adequate provision of transportation, water, drainage, sanitation, educational and other public facilities, recreation, and protection of natural resources and the environment;
F.
Establishing building lines and the locations of buildings or structures designed for appropriate uses within such lines to prevent overcrowding;
G.
Dividing the area into zoning districts restricting and regulating the location, construction, reconstruction, alteration, and use of buildings, structures, and land to conserve land, building, and structure values, protect the tax base, secure economy in governmental expenditures, and encourage variety and quality in land uses;
H.
Providing housing opportunities consistent with the area's population growth and housing demand, both present and future;
I.
Providing for the regulation of nonconforming uses, buildings, and structures;
J.
Encouraging the conservation of nonrenewable energy sources through the use of efficient building methods; and
K.
Providing for the timely, equitable, and efficient administration of the provisions, regulations, and restrictions hereof.
§ 400-3 Community development goals objectives.
This chapter has been prepared in consideration of the character of the Township, including existing land use patterns, the character of remaining undeveloped land, and the capacity of the community's basic infrastructure to support additional development. Consideration has also been given to development activities and trends in the area surrounding the Township. The purpose of this chapter is to guide future growth and development within the Township in accordance with the following goals and objectives:
A.
To preserve the quality of life within the Township's residential neighborhoods.
B.
To preserve and expand the Township's residential tax base in a manner that is consistent with the density, intensity, and environmental quality of existing residential development within and around the community.
C.
To preserve and expand the Township's business and industrial tax base in a manner that protects surrounding land uses and maintains a high degree of environmental quality.
D.
To provide adequate community facilities and services to meet the needs of Township residents and its business community.
E.
To undertake physical improvements to the man-made landscape that will create a better community and improve the attractiveness of the Township as a place to live and work.
F.
To preserve the natural qualities and characteristics of land that is unsuitable for development.
G.
To provide citizens and prospective developers with a clear understanding of the Township's land use decision making process.
H.
To encourage citizen participation in the land use decision making process.
§ 400-4 Statutory authority.
The authority to promulgate the local regulation of land use and related activities is provided for through Act 247 of 1968, the MPC, and Act 170 of 1988,[1] an amendment thereto.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
§ 400-5 Conformance and permits.
After the effective date of this chapter, except for existing legal nonconforming uses or structures, no structure or building shall be erected, reconstructed, structurally altered, enlarged, or moved, and no structure, building, or land shall be used, occupied, or designed to be used, unless in conformity with the regulations specified herein for the zoning district in which it is located and with all other applicable provisions of this chapter, and then only after applying for and securing all permits, licenses, and approvals required by all laws, ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and codes. Specifically noted are Chapter 200, Floodplain Management (FMO), and Chapter 350, Subdivision and Land Development (SALDO).
§ 400-6 Conflicting provisions.
Where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any land use ordinance or code, applicable health, building, housing, or safety regulation, or any other ordinance, resolution, or regulation, on or after the effective date of this chapter, the provision which establishes the more restrictive standard for protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the people shall prevail.
