This chapter is enacted to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, the provisions of adequate light and air, access to alternative solar energy, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, provision of a safe, reliable and adequate water supply, sewerage, schools, recreational facilities, public grounds and other public requirements, as well as to prevent overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers; as well as preservation of the natural, scenic and historic values in the environment and preservation of forests, wetlands, aquifers.

This chapter is enacted to accommodate reasonable overall community growth, including population and employment growth, and opportunities for development of a variety of residential dwelling types and nonresidential uses.

This chapter is enacted in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code[1] and an overall planning program, and with consideration for the character of the Borough, its various parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures.

Guiding and encouraging the future development of the Borough in accordance with planning of land use and population density that represent the most beneficial and convenient relationship among the residential, commercial, industrial, natural resource, and recreational areas within the Borough, having regard to their suitability for the various uses appropriate to each of them and their potential for such uses.

Protecting the character and the social and economic stability of each of such areas and encouraging their orderly and beneficial growth.

Protecting and conserving the value of land and buildings throughout the Borough appropriate to the various zoning districts established herein.

Bringing about through proper timing the gradual conformity of land use to Borough policy and minimizing conflicts among users of land and buildings.

Aiding in bringing about the most beneficial relationship between land use and the circulation of traffic throughout the Borough, having particular regard to traffic and parking, and to the avoidance of congestion in the streets and the provision of safe and convenient access appropriate to the various land uses.

Aiding in providing a guide for public policy and action in the efficient provision of public facilities and services, in the provision of safe and proper sanitary sewage disposal, and for private enterprise in building development, investment, redevelopment, and other economic activity relating to land use.

Protecting, enhancing, and sustaining natural features that are less suitable for building in addition to providing parks, recreation, and natural areas to meet the needs of Borough residents.

Providing for the development of an appropriate range of housing based on existing conditions and anticipated development in character with the existing community, including housing for older residents and innovative housing options.