The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Township and to conserve the value of property, with due consideration for the character of the zones and their peculiar suitability for particular uses; all in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to promote health, morals, safety and general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land or buildings to avoid undue concentration of population and, to that end, to regulate the height, design, appearance, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of the area of the lot that may be occupied; the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces; the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes; and the height, size and location of these uses within the limits of the Township; to encourage senior citizens community housing construction consistent with provisions permitting other residential uses of a similar density in the same zoning district in accordance with the land use element of the Master Plan as adopted by the Planning Board and implemented by the Township Council. To encourage coordination of the various public and private procedures and activities shaping land development with a view of lessening the cost of such development and to more efficient use of land.

For the purpose of this chapter, all words used in the present tense include the future tense. All words in the plural number include the singular number, and all words in the singular number include the plural number, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise. The word "shall" is mandatory and directory. The word "used" includes "designed, intended, or arranged to be used."