Shrewsbury Township is hereby divided into districts of different types, each being of such number, shape, kind and area and of such common unity of purpose and adaptability of use deemed most suitable to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

For the purposes of this chapter, Shrewsbury Township is divided into a large agricultural district and five development districts. In addition, the Township has created overlay zones for wellhead protection, transferable development rights sending and receiving areas, and for the Historic Village Overlay (HVO) District, and has established sensitive geographic areas as critical environmental areas.

The uses permitted in the districts, zones and areas established by this chapter and the permitted extent of these uses are as shown in the articles that follow. The uses shown as permitted in those articles are the only uses permitted, except as set forth in § 27-304 below. Unless otherwise noted, the extent of use or dimensional standards is the requirements for each use. However, supplementary use regulations are set forth in Part 14, general regulations for all uses are set forth in Part 15, regulations regarding off-street parking and loading are set forth in Part 16, regulations regarding nonconforming uses, structures and lots are set forth in Part 17, and regulations regarding special exceptions and variances are set forth in Part 19.

Any use not specifically allowed elsewhere in this chapter shall be allowed by special exception in the district or districts where, and to the extent that, similar uses are permitted or allowed by special exception provided that said use meets the requirements for a special exception and does not constitute a private or public nuisance.

In no case is a use permitted which because of noise, dust, odor, appearance, or other objectionable factor creates a nuisance, hazard or other substantial adverse effect upon property value or reasonable enjoyment of surrounding property, except as may be specifically provided for in this chapter.

The locations and boundaries of the zoning districts are delineated on a dated map entitled "Shrewsbury Township Zoning Map" that accompanies and which, with all explanatory matters thereof, is hereby made a part of this chapter.[1]

Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of a district as indicated on a zoning map, the following rules shall apply.

Shrewsbury Township has established a wellhead protection overlay zone for the benefit of Shrewsbury Borough's public water supply system, portions of which are located in the Township. Any uses that fall within the wellhead protection overlay zone are subject to both the Township's and Shrewsbury Borough's wellhead protection ordinances, which are incorporated herein by reference. This section shall apply to any future intergovernmental agreements or ordinances the Township enters into with another municipal entity.

Critical environmental areas require certain restrictions made necessary to protect sensitive or fragile environmental areas from man-related disturbance or alteration. The protection of critical environmental areas promotes the general health, welfare and safety of citizens including, but not limited to, the construction of structures in areas unfit for human usage due to danger from flooding, saturated soil conditions and/or steep slopes (see Part 13).

Shrewsbury Township has established a Historic Village Overlay District to acknowledge and protect existing historical village areas, and provide limited opportunities for additional nonresidential uses in a traditional manner. The HVO District is located in an area of the Township with a documented historical connection as a village and that is still recognized as such; specifically, the Village of Seitzland, which is located along the York County Heritage Rail Trail, outside of Glen Rock Borough. These regulations are designed to encourage and sustain existing rural community values and environments, preserve historic and architectural heritage, and to facilitate future development that will strengthen the economy and vitality of the Township.