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Richland Township City Zoning Code

PART 3

ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS

§ 27-301 Establishment of Districts.

[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
Richland Township is hereby divided into districts of different types, each type being of such number, shape, kind and area, and of such common unity of purpose and adaptability of use, that are deemed most suitable to carry out the objectives of this Chapter and the Comprehensive Plan.

§ 27-302 Classes of Districts.

[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
For the purpose of this Chapter, Richland Township is hereby divided into districts which shall be designated as follows:
RP
Resource Protection
RA
Rural Agricultural
SRC
Suburban Residential Conservation
SRL
Suburban Residential Low
SRM
Suburban Residential Medium
SRH
Suburban Residential High
PC
Planned Commercial
PI
Planned Industrial
EXT
Extraction
URL
Urban Residential Low
AC
Arterial Corridor (Overlay) District
AQ
Age Qualified (Overlay) District

§ 27-303 Zoning Districts Map.

[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011; as amended by Ord. No. 302, 5/13/2024]
Districts are bounded and defined as shown in the Zoning Map entitled "Richland Township Official Zoning Map" adopted: May 13, 2024 by Ordinance No. 302, as amended, which is attached to this chapter and which, with all explanatory matters thereon, is hereby made part of this Chapter 27.

§ 27-304 Interpretation of District Boundaries.

[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1. 
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the district as indicated on the Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply:
A. 
Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately coinciding with the center lines of streets, highways, railroad lines or streams, such center lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
B. 
Where district boundaries are so indicated that they approximately coincide with lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be said boundaries; or where district boundaries are extensions of lot lines or connect the intersections of lot lines, such lines shall be said district boundaries.
C. 
Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are approximately parallel to center lines of streets or highways, such district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance there from as indicated on the Zoning Map.

§ 27-305 Statements of Purposes and Intent for the Districts.

[Ord. 251, 11/14/2011]
1. 
Resource Protection District (RP). The purpose of this district is to protect areas consisting largely of sensitive natural features such as woodlands, steep slopes, scenic areas, wetlands, floodplains, and lakes and ponds. Intensities are such as to ensure that these resources are permanently protected.
2. 
Rural Agricultural District (RA). The purpose of this district is to provide standards for low-intensity development in rural areas that are currently provided with utilities. Residential uses are permitted on large lots or where they are clustered with large areas of open space.
3. 
Suburban Residential Conservation District (SRC). It is the purpose of this district to preserve natural features and resources such as woodlands, steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains and lakes and ponds in areas where such features predominate. Residential uses are permitted on very large lots or where they are clustered with large areas of open space.
4. 
Suburban Residential Low District (SRL). It is the purpose of this district to provide for low-intensity suburban residential development. A variety of housing types are encouraged, as are clustering and the provision of open spaces. The intensities are intended to blend with existing residential uses and protect natural features and resources.
5. 
Suburban Residential Medium District (SRM). It is the purpose of this district to provide for medium-intensity residential development. A variety of residential uses are encouraged, as are clustering and the provision of open spaces. The medium intensities are intended to encourage well designed residential development near major roads.
6. 
Suburban Residential High District (SRH). It is the purpose of this district to provide higher intensities of residential development. A variety of residential uses are encouraged. The higher intensities relate to similar uses in adjacent developed areas of easy access and few natural limitations.
7. 
Planned Commercial District (PC). It is the purpose of this district to provide for the creation and continuation of commercial development in appropriate areas. Highway-oriented businesses may be required to provide an access road which is intended to lessen traffic congestion and hazards by reducing the number of access points.
8. 
Planned Industrial District (PI). It is the purpose of this district to encourage planned industrial, heavy commercial, office or laboratory uses in appropriate areas. Such development shall be planned as a whole with all uses fronting on an internal street. The intent is to encourage high-quality industrial and commercial development, which relates to adjacent residential development, with design standards which avoid adverse impacts on neighboring residential developments.
9. 
Extraction District (EXT). It is the purpose of this district to provide for the continuation of existing extractive operations and other uses which would otherwise interfere with the development and operation of other land uses.
10. 
Urban Residential Low (URL). It is the purpose of this district to retain the urban character of existing residential areas as well as to provide for future residential development in a variety of housing types at appropriate densities.
11. 
Overlay Zoning Districts.
A. 
Arterial Corridor (Overlay) District (AC). It is the purpose of this district to provide for convenient access to uses within the district, while promoting consistent and appropriately restrictive management of access to arterial highways in order to maintain critical local and regional arterial functions.
B. 
Age Qualified (Overlay) District (AQ). It is the purpose of this district to provide for a greater variety of housing and to serve the needs of older persons who prefer an independent residential environment and do not require intensive individual care.