1.   This Chapter shall be known as and may be cited as the Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance.

   2.   The word "Ordinance" when used in this Chapter shall be construed to mean this Chapter 27 unless the intent is clearly otherwise.

(Ord. 45, Z-§ 101, 5/12/76)

The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the public health, safety, morals or the general welfare of the present and future inhabitants of Hanover Township.

      A.   Encouraging the most appropriate use of land.

      B.   Preventing the overcrowding of land.

      C.   Avoiding undue congestion of population.

      D.   Conserving the value of land and buildings.

      E.   Lessening the congestion of traffic on the roads and highways.

      F.   Providing for adequate light and air.

      G.   Securing safety from fire, panic, flood or other dangers.

      H.   Facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, vehicular parking and loading space, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public grounds and facilities.

      I.   Giving reasonable consideration, among other things, to the character of all areas of the Township and their particular suitability for particular land uses.

      J.   Giving effect to the policies, proposals and the statement of community development objectives contained in the Hanover Township Comprehensive Plan. The statement of community development goals and objectives is incorporated here by reference to the goals, objectives and recommendations in the Township Comprehensive Plan.

      K.   Promoting small business development and fostering a business friendly environment in the Township.

(Ord. 45, Z-§ 102, 5/12/76; as amended by Ord. 451, 10/20/2004, § 1)

   1.   Hereafter, there shall be no use or development of any land, construction, erection, alteration, or addition of any building or part of a building, or land or construction or erection of any stationary sign unless a zoning permit has been approved and acquired from the Township Zoning Officer. Failure to obtain a zoning permit shall constitute a violation of this section.

   2.   Hereafter, there shall be no use of land or of any building or part of a building unless an occupancy permit has been approved by and acquired from the Township Zoning Officer. Failure to obtain an occupancy permit shall constitute a violation of this section.

(Ord. 45, Z-§ 103, 5/12/76; as amended by Ord. 103, 4/8/81)

In applying and interpreting the provisions of this section, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Where the provisions of any statute, or ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than this section, the provisions of such statute, ordinance or regulation shall be controlling.

(Ord. 45, Z-§ 104, 5/12/76)

It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that if a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this section to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the section as a whole, or any part thereof other than the part so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.

(Ord. 45, Z-§ 105, 5/12/76)