Promote, protect, and facilitate: the health, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Township by promoting the development and use of land within the Township in such a manner as to secure the population from fire, flood, panic and other dangers. This is accomplished through coordinated and practical community development; emergency management preparedness and operations; provision of a safe, reliable, and adequate water supply for domestic, commercial, agricultural or industrial use, and other public requirements; preservation of natural, scenic, historic features, forests, wetlands, aquifers, and floodplains; provisions of adequate light and air, police protection, transportation, sewerage, schools, recreational facilities, and public grounds.

Prevent: blight; danger and congestion in travel and transportation; loss of health, life, or property from fire, flood, panic, or other dangers.

Provide for the use of land within the Township for residential uses with various dwelling types encompassing all basic forms of housing.

Respect carrying capacity of land and accommodate reasonable overall community growth and opportunities for development of a variety of residential and nonresidential uses.

Planning vision. Retain and enhance the traditional suburban community identity and quality of life. Maintain a balance between the accommodation of change and development with the ability of the land to sustain new uses and the conservation of resources to preserve the suburban character and protect the health, safety, and welfare of current and future residents.

Land use. Direct future growth to the most appropriate areas of the Township in a manner that reflects the existing community and establishes a balance between land uses, the transportation network, and the ability of natural systems to support development. Continue to support the Township's commercial properties to provide for employment opportunities and commercial resources in the Township.

Housing. Plan for the present and future housing needs of residents that reflects the existing community character and enhances neighborhoods while protecting the Township's traditional historic, natural, and scenic qualities.

Natural resources. Preserve, protect, and maintain the Township's existing natural resources to sustain ecosystems, public health, and quality of life.

Historic and scenic resources. Identify, protect, and enhance the integrity of historic and scenic resources and their settings to preserve the Township's heritage and character.

Energy conservation and sustainability. Encourage energy conservation and the effective utilization of renewable energy resources to reduce energy costs and environmental impacts.

Community facilities and services. Provide for appropriate and adequate community services and facilities within the practical fiscal limits of the Township and the natural constraints of the land to meet the needs of current and future Township residents and businesses.

Open space, trails, parks, and recreation. Continue to maintain, enhance, and expand parks, recreational facilities and community programming at parks while protecting and preserving existing Township open spaces for the enjoyment of all Township residents.

Transportation and circulation. Plan for a safe, effective, and diversified transportation and circulation system that addresses current and future needs in coordination with land use planning and resource protection objectives while protecting community-defining characteristics.

Regional planning. Continue cooperative planning with surrounding municipalities and regional planning groups to achieve mutually beneficial goals for the Township and region.

Land shall be developed, used, or occupied, and structures shall be constructed, altered, used, occupied, or demolished in accordance with provisions of this chapter.

Uniform regulations. The provisions established by this chapter within each zoning district shall apply uniformly to each class or type of structure or land.

New uses and structures. Following the effective date of this chapter, any new building or other structure or any tract of land shall be developed, constructed, occupied, and used in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and other chapters, as applicable.

Existing uses, structures, lots, or signs. Following the effective date of this chapter, any existing use, structure, lot, or sign that is not in conformity with provisions of this chapter shall be deemed nonconforming and subject to Article XIX, Nonconformance Standards.

Chapter provisions shall be interpreted, applied, and administered in such a manner as to facilitate attainment of the purpose of this chapter in § 155-101 and objectives of this chapter in § 155-102.

This chapter shall become effective the day after its adoption.[1]