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Bethlehem Township City Zoning Code

ARTICLE XXV

Smart Growth Districts and Overlay Districts

§ 275-216 Purposes.

The Smart Growth Districts and Overlay Districts are intended to help implement the following smart growth principles:
A. 
Compatible mixed land use.
B. 
Compact building design.
C. 
A range of housing opportunities and choices.
D. 
Walkable neighborhoods and nonresidential development.
E. 
Distinctive, attractive development with a strong sense of place.
F. 
Open space and preservation of natural beauty and critical environmental areas.
G. 
Development that strengthens and ties into existing land use.
H. 
Transportation choices.
I. 
Tools to allow for predictable, fair and cost-effective development decisions.
J. 
Community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

§ 275-217 Legislative authority for overlay districts.

The legislative authority for the Smart Growth Overlay Districts is based upon Section 605, Classifications, of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1] Section 605 enables additional classifications within districts for the regulation or restriction of uses and structures at, along or near: major thoroughfares, transportation arteries and expressways, public grounds, places having unique historic or patriotic interest or value, and places having a special character affected by their surroundings.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10605.

§ 275-218 Establishment of districts.

The following Smart Growth Districts and Overlay Districts are hereby established:
A. 
Neighborhood Enhancement Overlay District.
B. 
Commercial Enhancement Overlay District.
C. 
Conservation Design Overlay District.
D. 
Town Center District.
E. 
Hospital Health Care Village District.
F. 
Mixed-Use Village Overlay Districts.
G. 
Streetscape Enhancement Overlay District.

§ 275-219 District and overlay district provisions.

A. 
The Smart Growth Zoning District/Overlay District provisions shall be as set forth in Articles XXVI, XXVII, XVIII, XXIX, XXX, XXXI, and XXXII.
B. 
The Smart Growth Zoning Districts/Overlay Districts shall generally comply with the Key Design Elements for Traditional Towns and Traditional Neighborhoods as set forth in Exhibit A.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Exhibit A is on file in the Township offices.
C. 
The Smart Growth Zoning Districts/Overlay Districts and the development thereof shall be consistent with the Bethlehem Township Comprehensive Plan Update 2004.
D. 
The Smart Growth Zoning Districts and Overlay Districts shall be subject to Articles XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, and XX, except as may be modified in Articles XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX, XXX, XXXI or XXXII.
E. 
Where required by § 275-178, a site plan submission shall be required for uses within the Smart Growth Zoning Districts and Overlay Districts. Further, where required by Chapter 230, Subdivision and Land Development, subdivision and/or land development plan applications shall be required.

§ 275-220 District and Overlay District Map.

A. 
The "Smart Growth Zoning District and Overlay Districts" map, Exhibit B, depicts the location of the Districts and Overlay Districts.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Exhibit B is on file in the Township offices.
B. 
The depth of the Neighborhood Enhancement Overlay District shall be set forth in Article XXVI.