The Borough of Northampton is divided into the following districts:

In addition to the above nine zoning districts, there are floodplain overlay districts which shall also be applicable. The Borough has adopted a separate Floodplain Management Ordinance.[1] All specific floodplain management regulations are contained in that separate ordinance.

Designation of district boundaries. The district boundary lines are intended generally to follow the center line of streets, the center line of railroad rights-of-way, existing lot lines, the mean water level of streams, and other waterways, or municipal boundary lines, all as shown on the Zoning Map; but where a district boundary line does not follow such a line, its position is shown on said Zoning Map by a specific dimension expressing its distance in feet from a street center line or other boundary line as indicated.

Determination of locations of boundaries. In case of uncertainty as to the true location of a district boundary line in a particular instance, the Zoning Officer shall request the Zoning Hearing Board to render its determination with respect thereto; provided no boundary shall be changed by the Zoning Hearing Board. Wherever this chapter states more restrictive or less restrictive district, the above order of districts shall apply with the first noted being the more restrictive and the last the least restrictive.

Boundary tolerances. Where a district boundary line divides a lot held in single and separate ownership at the effective date of this chapter, the regulations applicable to the less restrictive district shall extend over the portion of the lot in the more restrictive district a distance of not more than 50 feet beyond the district boundary line.

CO Conservancy District. To establish and preserve areas for watershed, flood control, forestry, cement quarry reclamation settlement and the general conservation of the land with its flora and fauna. Uses such as low-intensity outdoor recreation and other uses that do not significantly change the natural character of the land or do not attract large numbers of people would be compatible with this intent.

R-1 Residential District. To establish and preserve the lowest-density residential areas in the Borough for quiet single-family home neighborhoods free from incompatible activities which would generate distractive sights, sounds, traffic or which would in any way compromise the privacy and serenity of the living environment for the individual residential lots.

R-2 Residential District. To establish and preserve relatively low-density residential areas in the Borough for single-family, two-family and limited multifamily uses (three to eight units per structure) which are protected in the same manner as the R-1 District above.

R-3 Residential District. To establish and preserve medium-density residential areas where a variety of housing types, including single-, two-family and multifamily uses, are protected in the same manner as the R-1 District above.

R-4 Residential District. To establish and preserve a medium-density single-, two-family and townhouse residential area where mobile home parks could also be developed and which would be protected in the same manner as the R-1 District above.

C-1 Commercial Transition District. To establish and preserve areas in transition from residential to commercial so that the quality of the human living environment and the business environment may be jointly considered, respected and preserved to the greatest extent possible during the time of change in predominant land use for the area.

C-2 Commercial District. To establish and preserve compact business areas where a variety of retail, office and service businesses would receive priority consideration and protection. Residential uses already in existence or well-planned mixed uses would be permitted to coexist with the business uses. An attractive environment should be maintained within which to do business and/or to reside.

I-1 Industrial District. To establish and preserve areas of light, limited and/or low-intensity industrial land use activity. These types of areas may include older, already developed industrial buildings on sites where the scale of industrial and warehouse-type activity could be less intense than the I-2 District.

I-2 Industrial District. To establish and preserve areas for a variety of industrial uses, for certain commercial type uses and for farm and related uses. All uses would be required to comply with Borough performance standards. Permitted accessory and special uses would be given priority. Other uses would be considered to be incompatible and would not be permitted.