In the interpretation and the application of the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to the minimum requirements for the promotion of the health, safety, morals and general welfare. It is not intended to interfere with or abrogate or annul other rules, regulations or ordinances, provided that, where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height or bulk of a building or requires larger open spaces, the provisions of this chapter shall control.

This chapter shall not apply to any existing or proposed building, or extension thereof, used or to be used by a public utility corporation, if, upon petition of the corporation, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission shall, after a public hearing, decide that the present or proposed situation of the building in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter or the location of any district boundary shown on the Zoning Map that forms a part hereof is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter or Zoning Map. The governing body of the Borough of Towanda hereby declares that it would have passed this chapter and each section or part thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections or parts thereof be declared invalid.[1]