1.   For the purposes of this Chapter, Clifton Township is divided into four types of districts, as follows:

      A.   OS - Open Space District [Ord. 2-2010]

      B.   R-1 - Low Density, Single Family Housing Residential District

      C.   C - General Commercial District

      D.   I - Industrial Use District

   2.   The intent and purpose of these districts is as follows:

      A.   OS - Open Space District - to protect the extensive wetlands and open water bodies and the unique plant and animal communities within the Township. To provide for the development of limited uses which are compatible with the unique and sensitive natural environment within this district at low densities and with suitable buffers and conditions which will minimize negative impacts of the development upon the environment. [Ord. 2-2010]

      B.   R-1 - Low Density Single Family Housing Residential District - to provide for the continued development of low density single family residential communities in areas of the Township having suitable environmental conditions and access to the public highway system.

      C.   C - Commercial District - to provide space and opportunities for the development of commercial trade and service facilities and multi-family residential development along the major highway and in the area of the Township where municipal services and facilities can most feasibly be provided in the future.

      D.   I - Industrial District - to provide space for those manufacturing and other types of industrial activities which can be developed and operated with minimal conflicts with the natural environment and rural residential character of the Township.

   3.   For the purposes of this Chapter, one or more overlay districts or special use districts are designated as follows:

      A.   CT - Communications Tower Overlay District - to provide for the siting of commercial and public utilities communication towers and antenna within accessible central areas of the Township at higher elevations along or near the interstate highway. These structures are allowed within certain portions of the I and R-1 general use districts. The regulations of the underlying R-1 and I general use districts apply within this designated CT overlay district area.

      B.   CT-RT - Communications Tower - Race Track Overlay District - to provide for the siting of commercial and public utilities communication towers and antenna within accessible central areas of the Township at higher elevations along or near the interstate highway and to provide for the siting of race tracks. These uses are allowed within certain portions of the R-1 general use districts. The regulations of the underlying R-1 general use districts apply within this designated CT-RT overlay district area. [Ord. 2-2010]

(Ord. 1-1989, 11/18/1989, §4.1; as amended by Ord. 1-1996, 4/13/1996, §2; and by Ord. 2-2010, 9/9/2010, Items 3 and 4)

   1.   The location and boundaries of these districts are established as shown on the attached Zoning Map of Clifton Township. The Zoning Map is hereby made a part of this Chapter, together with all future notations, references and amendments.

   2.   The Official Zoning Map shall be identified by the signature of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors attested by the Township Secretary, and shall bear the adoption date of this Chapter and the seal of the Township under the following words: “This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map of Clifton Township,                                               1989.”

   3.   Changes of any nature to the Official Zoning Map shall be made in conformity with the amendment procedures set forth in this Chapter. All changes shall be noted by date with a brief description of the nature of the change.

   4.   Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the Official Zoning Map which may from time to time be made or published, the Official Zoning Map shall be located in the Township Office and shall be the final authority on boundaries and districts. The Zoning Officer shall have a certified copy of the map for official use.

   5.   If the Official Zoning Map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost or difficult to interpret because of changes and additions, the Board of Supervisors may, by resolution, adopt a new Official Zoning Map which shall supersede the prior Official Zoning Map. The new Official Zoning Map may correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior Official Zoning Map, but no such correction shall have the effect of amending the original Official Zoning Map or any subsequent amendment thereof. The new Official Zoning Map shall be identified by the signatures of the Board of Supervisors, attested to by the Township Secretary, and bearing the following words: “This is to certify that this Official Zoning Map supersedes and replaces the Official Zoning Map adopted                                (date) as part of the Clifton Township Zoning Ordinance, Clifton Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.

   6.   Unless the prior Official Zoning Map has been lost or has been totally destroyed, the prior map or any part or parts thereof remaining shall be preserved together with all available records pertaining to its adoption or amendment.

(Ord. 1-1989, 11/18/1989, §4.2)

   1.   Boundaries drawn approximately following the centerlines of streams, drainageways, streets, alleys, railroads or other right-of-way shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

   2.   Boundaries approximately following lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines and to be located upon the land through competent land survey of those lot lines.

   3.   Boundaries drawn approximately following the centerlines of streams shall be construed to follow such centerlines, and in the event of change in the centerline shall be construed as moving with the actual centerline.

   4.   Distances not specifically indicated on the Official Zoning Map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

   5.   Where physical features existing on the ground vary with those shown on the Official Zoning Map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections .1 through .4 above, the Board of Supervisors shall interpret the district boundaries.

(Ord. 1-1989, 11/18/1989, §4.3)