Pennsburg City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
§ 110-100 Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Pennsburg Borough Zoning Ordinance of 1995."
§ 110-101 Effective date.
The effective date of this chapter shall be 10 days after the adoption of this chapter as required by law, and the use of all land and every building or portion of a building or structure erected, altered with respect to height and area, added to, or relocated, and every use within a building or use accessory thereto, and any district, shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
§ 110-102 Declaration of legislative intent.
This chapter is in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan and is designed to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Borough. This chapter is enacted to lessen congestion on the roads and streets; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other services and facilities; to conserve the value of buildings and properties; and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Borough of Pennsburg.
§ 110-103 Interpretation.
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, and general welfare. Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation, 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, other ordinance or regulation shall be controlling.
§ 110-104 Statement of community development objectives.
The Borough of Pennsburg, which has an adopted Comprehensive Plan to guide the orderly growth and development of the Borough, intends this Zoning Ordinance to implement the following community development objectives which have been adopted by the Borough Council of Pennsburg:
A.
Growth. Pennsburg Borough is a developed community with an established character that should be preserved. All future growth, whether by infilling of remaining vacant land or by redevelopment, should occur in an orderly and controlled manner that is consistent with the scale and character of the Borough.
B.
Land use. Pennsburg Borough has a wide variety of land uses, including a strong residential character. The Borough should preserve and protect the character, stability, and value of land and buildings.
C.
Housing. The Borough has a diverse housing mix, with many types, densities, and appearances. The integrity of established residential neighborhoods should be protected. Infill housing should complement the existing neighborhoods. New development should provide adequate off-street parking, recreation facilities, and open space.
D.
Commerce. Future commercial development should respect surrounding residential neighborhoods. In the Borough, small-scale commercial activities should mix with residences in certain areas such as Main Street. Larger-scale, auto-oriented uses should generally be restricted to the shopping center, and their deleterious effects (such as traffic and noise) should be limited.
E.
Industry. The existing industry in the Borough should be adequately regulated so that it may remain and its noise, odors or other unwanted features can be minimized.
F.
Institutions. The many institutions in the Borough are part of the community and should be encouraged to remain and yet be respectful to surrounding residential neighborhoods.
G.
Transportation. The Borough should strive for the best possible relationship between land use and transportation. The public thoroughfares of the Borough should be safe and efficient for all vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
H.
Community facilities and services. The present level of community services should be expanded and improved. The Borough should have appropriate open spaces, recreation facilities, opportunities for education and enrichment, and health and safety services.
I.
Intergovernmental cooperation and implementation. The Borough should cooperate with other communities on regional affairs. The Comprehensive Plan should guide growth through a strong program of planning with active citizen participation.
J.
Environment. Borough regulations should maintain a high standard of air and water quality and protect the natural resources, including stream valleys and floodplains. The appearance of the Borough should be improved through appropriate sign regulation, landscaping, and design controls.
§ 110-105 Effect on other provisions.
It is not intended for this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul, or interfere with any existing ordinance or enactment, or with any rule, regulation, or permit adoption issued thereunder, except insofar as the same may be inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter; provided that, where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of buildings or land, or upon the height and bulk of buildings, or prescribes larger open spaces than are required by the provision of such ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation, or permit, then the provisions of this chapter shall control.
§ 110-106 Validity.
Should any section of this chapter be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole, or any other part thereof.
§ 110-107 Repealer.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this Zoning Ordinance are hereby repealed.