This chapter is designed and made in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and with consideration being given to the character of the Township, the uses presently in place, and the suitability of the various parts of the Township for particular uses and structures.

This chapter is designed to provide the minimum conditions necessary to achieve the goals of the Rush Township Comprehensive Plan.

From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use of all land and every building or portion of a building erected or altered with respect to the area thereof or added or relocated and every use within a building or use accessory thereto in Rush Township shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Any existing building or structure and any existing use of a building or land not in conformity with the regulations as herein described shall be regarded as nonconforming. Such building or use may be continued, extended or changed only subject to the special regulations herein provided regarding nonconforming buildings and uses.

The Board of Supervisors of Rush Township sets forth the following legislative finding with respect to land use, density or population, location and function of roads and other Township facilities and utilities and other factors which the Board believes relevant in establishing goals for development objectives for the future development of the Township. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to establish such goals and objectives and to provide the means and regulations whereby these goals and objectives may be attained.

A more complete discussion of the goals and development objectives of Rush Township may be found in the Rush Township Comprehensive Plan as prepared by the Rush Township Planning Commission and adopted by the Rush Township Board of Supervisors. This chapter is based upon and drawn from the Comprehensive Plan.

To provide for the orderly development of the Township based upon the Rush Township Comprehensive Plan.

To encourage the best use of the land and protect against potential nuisance uses of the land.

To provide for a harmonious relationship between different land use categories by providing proper and adequate sites for each use.