Peters Township Washington County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 2
Guiding Principles and Vision
§ 440-200 Guiding principles.
The Zoning Ordinance represents a key regulatory mechanism for achieving the land use pattern and quality of development articulated in Plan Peters 2022, the Township's Comprehensive Plan. The Plan expresses guiding principles to form the basis for future land use and capital investment decisions based on the commonly held community values revealed during the planning process. The following principles are rooted in the features of Peters Township that stakeholders, residents, local leaders, business owners and other participants, prized the most, and they define elements of the future community the Township wishes to become. These statements underpin the Zoning Ordinance and should inform the way in which it is administered and enforced.
A.
Promote unique activity centers. Encourage the development of unique activity centers that include a mix of uses and activities located close together, providing people with new options for places to live, work, shop and participate in civic life. Centers should vary in scale, use and intensity depending on location and context. Activity centers are represented by a hierarchy of walkable neighborhoods with complementary commercial uses, mixed-use activity centers, and an identifiable town center, all of which reflect the unique character of Peters Township. The presence of activity centers should further the economic vitality and sustainability of the Township, while also promoting social interaction and community building.
B.
Emphasize housing choice and diversity. Provide a greater range of housing choices to enable a diversity of people at all stages of life to enjoy Peters Township, including young adults, families, empty nesters, retirees, seniors and people of different income levels. Housing opportunities should include small homes on small lots, multifamily housing, and live-work units, in addition to large, single-family homes prevalent in the area. A more diversified housing strategy will promote housing choice and a more livable community.
C.
Stay forever green. Promote and preserve natural areas of Peters Township, including ponds, woods, trails, working farms and parks. Strive to create an interconnected network of green space that conserves critical natural areas, supports working farms, provides recreational linkages, protects water quality and quantity and contributes to the identity and sense of place within the community. If properties develop, create usable open spaces that contribute to the overall character and experience of the community.
D.
Build Township character and identity. Coordinate building architecture, site design and streetscape improvements in the planning area to reinforce a distinct brand or image unique to Peters Township. The highest priority should be to connect, re-purpose or re-use existing retail and employment centers that promote economic development and increase the quantity and quality of public spaces and community gathering areas throughout the Township.
E.
Increase transportation choice and walkability. Provide a safe, reliable transportation system that balances all modes of transportation, including walking, biking, transit and cars. Consider land use and infrastructure together, promoting street connectivity and complete streets that emphasize the quality and character of both the thoroughfare and adjoining development. Concentrate on both destination-based as well as recreational trips, promoting active living for all ages, with special attention given to the mobility of children and seniors.
F.
Enhance the municipal advantage. Promote a healthy and sustainable business environment by building a community that is attractive to employers and their workers. Continue to promote Peters Township and build a competitive advantage to attract knowledge-based businesses to the area. Investment and recruitment initiatives should realize triple bottom-line benefits for Township residents by seeking to improve the tax base, promote economic vitality for local shops and businesses, and increase access to employment opportunities in the area.
G.
Excel in education and Township service. Continue to advance quality of life for all residents of Peters Township by maintaining and expanding education and Township services, while ensuring that elected officials are good stewards of Township assets. This includes a strong partnership with the Peters Township School District to support their programming and academic achievement, while continuing to earn strong community support.
§ 440-201 Vision.
The guiding principles are tied together in the vision expressed in Plan Peters 2022. The vision embodies the desires articulated throughout the planning process. It is a broad statement of the ideal character of the community:
"Peters Township will continue to do what it does best — provide an enviable living environment with great schools, efficient services, proactive government and significant open spaces - while enhancing its competitive position in the region as a fiscally and environmentally sustainable community through increased housing choices for all stages of life, expanded employment opportunities, vibrant activity nodes, walkable neighborhoods and improved connectivity." |
§ 440-202 How to use this document.
This chapter contains sections that describe various aspects of requirements that apply to land use within Peters Township. In evaluating a proposed use for a site:
A.
Review the Zoning Map to determine the district classification for the subject property.
B.
Refer to Part 4 to determine whether the proposed use is permitted in the district. The chapter will note if the use is permitted by right, special exception, conditional use or administrative approval.
C.
Review the dimensional tables in Part 4 to see the permissible lot area, lot width, yard requirements, building height, lot coverage and other district-specific standards for the location.
D.
See Part 5 for general regulations that apply to all uses, such as for accessory structures, buffer yards, outdoor storage, parking, screening and lighting.
E.
Refer to Part 6 to determine whether there are any operating performance standards or supplemental regulations for the proposed use.