This chapter shall be known, and may be cited as, "The West Caln Township Zoning Ordinance, 2005, as amended."

This chapter is enacted under and pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended, and in accordance with the West Caln Township Comprehensive Plan (1998), and in accordance with an overall program and with consideration for the character of the Township, its various parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures, in order to promote, protect, and facilitate general public health, safety, and welfare, and coordinated and practical community development and proper density of population through regulations including but not limited to provision of adequate light and air; adequate parking and loading, safe and efficient travel by vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians; safe, reliable, and adequate water and sewer facilities through a balance between development and facilities; adequate recreational facilities, open space, and other public facilities; protection of prime agricultural areas and farmland; preservation of natural, scenic and historic resources; and opportunities for development of a variety of residential dwelling types and nonresidential uses.

This chapter is enacted to implement the spirit and intent of the West Caln Township Comprehensive Plan and other applicable codes, ordinances, or studies, as amended, which have been formulated to implement the purpose set forth in § 350-101, according to the following community development goals of the Township Comprehensive Plan:

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the purposes of this chapter. From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use, construction and development of all land, uses, structures, buildings, signs or portions thereof will be subject to the regulations herein. Any existing structures, lots, signs, or uses not in conformity with the regulations herein shall be considered nonconforming, but may be continued or changed subject to regulations herein regarding nonconformities.

Should any section or provision of this chapter for any reason be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect or impair the validity of this chapter as a whole or of any other part thereof.

It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or interfere with, any existing ordinance or enactment, or with any rule, regulation or permit adopted or issued thereunder, except insofar as the same may be inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter. Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of buildings or land, upon height and bulk of buildings, prescribes larger open spaces, or other applicable regulations under this chapter than are required by the provisions of another ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation or permit, the provisions of this chapter shall control. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance, or regulation impose greater restrictions than this chapter, the provisions of such statute, ordinance, or regulation shall control.

The West Caln Township Zoning Ordinance of 1978, and amendments thereto, and all ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

The effective date of this chapter is March 4, 2006. In all zoning districts, after the effective date of this chapter, any new building or other structure, or any tract of land shall be constructed, developed and used only in accordance with the regulations specified for each district. In all zoning districts, after the effective date of this chapter, any existing building, structure, use, or sign, lot which is not in conformity with the regulations for the district in which it is located shall be deemed as nonconforming and subject to the regulations of Article XV, herein.