This chapter is enacted for the following purposes: to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Township by lessening congestion in the streets; securing safety from fire, panic and other dangers, including but not limited to negative environmental impacts; providing adequate light and air; preventing the overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and public requirements; conserving the value of buildings; and encouraging the most appropriate use of land, including but not limited to adequate recreational facilities and green or open space, for concentrations of population.

This chapter is intended to foster the general development of the Township in accordance with the Newtown Township Comprehensive Plan, as amended, which is hereby adopted by reference and is made a part of this article as it relates to community facilities and services, transportation, land use, historic resources and intergovernmental cooperation.

It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Board of Supervisors that this chapter is not intended to repeal the original Zoning Ordinance No. 1 of 1938 or any of its supplements or amendments, but is intended to be an amendment or supplement thereto, revising the same in the form stated in this chapter, and that it is further intended that the continuity of the original Zoning Ordinance No. 1 of 1938, from its effective date of February 4, 1938, remain in full force and effect.

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, morals, comfort, convenience and general welfare. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul the Township Building Code or Uniform Construction Code,[1] as applicable, or any rules, regulations or permits previously adopted or issued thereunder and not in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter. Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation, including but not limited to the Codified Ordinances of the Township, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than this chapter, the provisions of such statute, ordinance or regulation shall be controlling.