This ordinance is enacted for the following purposes: to promote the health, morals and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Borough of Paulsboro; to lessen congestion in the streets; secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; provide adequate light and air; prevent the overcrowding of land or buildings; avoid undue concentration of population; and to conserve the value of property and encourage the most appropriate use of land.

From and after the effective date of this ordinance, the use of all land and every building or portion of a building erected, altered with respect to height and area, added to or relocated, and every use within a building or use accessory thereto in the Borough of Paulsboro shall be in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance. Any existing building or structure and any existing use of a building or land not in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed shall be regarded as nonconforming, but may be continued, extended or changed, subject to the special regulations herein provided with respect to nonconforming buildings or uses.

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this ordinance, 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 this ordinance impose greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation, the provisions of this ordinance shall be controlling. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than this ordinance, the provisions of such statute, other ordinance or regulations shall be controlling.

This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as "the Paulsboro Borough Zoning Ordinance of 1955."

Certain words and phrases used in this ordinance shall be construed to have the meanings indicated in § 80-53 hereof.