Encourage the appropriate use or development of all lands in the Borough of South Plainfield in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare.

Secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other natural and man-made disasters.

Provide adequate light, air and open space.

Promote the establishment of appropriate population densities and concentrations that will contribute to the well-being of the community and the preservation of the environment.

Encourage the appropriate and efficient expenditure of public funds by the coordination of public development with land use policies.

Provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for a variety of uses and open space, both public and private, according to their respective environmental requirements in order to meet the needs of all Borough citizens.

Encourage the location and design of transportation routes which will promote the free flow of traffic while discouraging location of such facilities and routes which result in congestion or blight.

Promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangements.

Promote the conservation of historic sites, open space, energy resources and valuable natural resources and prevent degradation of the environment through improper use of land.

Encourage development which incorporates the best features of design and relates the type, design and layout of residential, commercial and industrial and recreational development to the particular site.

In interpreting and applying the provision of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements to serve the aforesaid purposes and the community development objectives hereinafter set forth. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions or higher standards than this chapter, the provision of such statute, ordinance or regulation shall govern. Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions or higher standards than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation, the provision of this chapter shall govern.

In determining whether or not existing structures meet the requirements of the Schedule of General Requirements[1] of this chapter, the Zoning Officer is authorized to approve setbacks with a deviation of up to 0.25 foot (three inches).[2]