Regulating and restricting the height, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures and construction, alteration, extension, repair, maintenance and all facilities and services in and about such buildings and structures, and percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, residence or other purposes;

Regulating industrial and other types of uses;

Establishing building lines and setback building lines upon public streets;

Establishing the boundaries of districts for said purposes;

Providing for the elimination of nonconformities;

Creating a Zoning Hearing Board and conferring power upon the said Board and upon the Zoning Officer;

Providing fines and penalties for the violation of this chapter;

Promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the Township and the residents thereof;

Lessening congestion in streets;

Securing safety from fire, panic and other dangers;

Providing adequate light and air;

Preventing the overcrowding of land to avoid undue concentration of population; and

Facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements of the Township of Chartiers and the residents thereof.

Minimum standards. 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 and welfare of the municipality.

Relief from standards. It is fundamental to the purpose of the chapter to recognize that many existing lots throughout the Township are less adequate than others because of their location or size or odd shape or difficult topography, or any combination of these limitations. A claim of hardship under this chapter, therefore, shall not be allowable on behalf of any lot because the physical characteristics of the lot prevent it from being built upon exactly as in another lot abutting or close to it or in the same zoning district. The regulations herein permit most such lots to be satisfactorily built upon. There can be some alleviation for other lots through variances (minor concessions) granted by the Zoning Hearing Board when special physical conditions make literal enforcement of the regulations either unsatisfactory in the interest of the people at large or actually impossible. It is not the chapter but the physical conditions that prevent a lot from accommodating a type or area or bulk of structure unsuited to it. For a typical example, it is not intended that each lot in a commercial district automatically becomes the prospective site for any commercial structure and use. If a lot in such a district, after provisions of the yards and other open spaces prescribed for its own and adjacent property protection, has a buildable area too small in extent or dimensions for commercial structure, then the lot may be used under its district regulations for another type of structure permitted in that district. See § 350-65, Variances.

When doubt exists. In interpreting the language of this chapter to determine the extent of the restriction upon the use of the property the language shall be interpreted, where doubt exists as to the intended meaning of the language written and enacted by the Supervisors, in favor of the property owner and against any implied extension of the restriction.

Properties adjacent to the Township boundary. While this chapter applies only to property within the Township, in the protection of the health and safety and welfare of the people at large, and in the encouragement of the establishment and maintenance of reasonable community standards of physical environment, the effect of such application on adjacent properties and neighborhoods, without regard to municipal boundary lines, should be considered. It is the intention that the administration of this chapter, where it affects properties adjacent to the Township boundary line, will be such as to promote cooperation with other political subdivisions involved, for the uniform benefit and protection of all affected properties.

This section shall be considered, together with all the provisions of this chapter, when appraising "the spirit of the ordinance" as a guide to its interpretation.

Permits obtained and construction begun prior to effective date of this chapter.

Minimum and uniform regulation. The regulations set by this chapter within each district shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land.

For new uses and structures. In all districts, after the effective date of this chapter, any new building or other structure on any tract of land shall be constructed, developed and used only in accordance with the regulations specified for each district.

For existing uses and structures. In all districts, after the effective date of this chapter, any existing building or other structure, or any tract of land which is not in conformity with the regulations of the district in which it is located, shall be deemed as nonconforming and subject to regulations for nonconforming uses and structures.

Types of control. The following minimum and uniform regulations shall apply in the respective districts: use regulations, including uses by right, accessory uses and uses by special exception; area and bulk regulations, including required front, side and rear yards; maximum permitted height and allowable lot coverage, and floor area ratio requirements in those districts in which they apply; off-street parking and loading regulations; sign regulations; and special regulations dealing with planned residential development, open space, landscaping, storage, access and traffic control, lighting, slope areas and floodplain areas.