Benefit the Twin Rivers COG in a real way.

Preserve, protect, or enhance the physical environment; specifically, farmlands, steep slopes, and riverfront areas deserve special attention.

Promote and improve the economic well-being of the area.

Enhance the TRCOG quality of life.

Make every effort to promote economic equity to all TRCOG communities.

Capitalize on existing resources, governmental and private.

Minimum and uniform regulations. The regulations set by this chapter within each district shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land.

For new uses and structures. In all districts, after the effective date of this chapter, any new building or other structure on any tract of land shall be constructed, developed and used only in accordance with the regulations specified for each district.

For existing uses and structures. In all districts after the effective date of this chapter, any existing building or other structure, or any tract of land 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 VIII.

Type of control. The following minimum and uniform regulations shall apply in the respective districts: use regulations, including uses by right, conditional uses, accessory uses and uses by special exception; area and bulk regulations, including required front, side and rear yards; maximum permitted height and allowable lot coverage, and floor area ratio requirements in those districts in which they apply; off-street parking and loading regulations; sign regulations; and special regulations dealing with landscaping, storage, access and traffic control, lighting and slope areas, where applicable.

Municipal exemption. The Borough of West Mifflin is hereby exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

Adoption of Zoning Map.[1] The areas within the West Mifflin Borough limits as assigned to each district and the location of boundaries of the districts established by this chapter are shown on the Zoning Map, which is declared to be part of this chapter and shall be kept on file with the Borough Secretary. If, and whenever, changes are made in boundaries or other matter included on said Zoning Map, such changes in the map shall be made within five days after each amendment has been approved by the Borough Council.

District boundary lines. The district boundary lines shall be as shown on the Zoning Map. District boundary lines are intended to coincide with lot lines, center lines of streets, the limits of the Borough, or as dimensioned on the map. In case of doubt or disagreement concerning the exact location of the boundary line, the determination of the Zoning Hearing Board, as provided in Article IX, shall prevail.

Boundary tolerances. Where a district boundary line divides a lot held in single and separate ownership at the effective date of this chapter, the use regulations applicable to the more restrictive district shall apply.

Interpretations. In applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be interpreted to the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. It is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul ordinances, rules, regulations, or permits previously adopted or issued, except as amended hereby, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law relating to the use of buildings or land. Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of a building or land or upon the height and bulk of a building, or prescribes larger open spaces than are required by such ordinances, rules, regulations or permits, this chapter shall control. The provisions of this chapter, the several kinds of regulations, and the prescribed requirements, in detail, applicable within the boundaries of the zoning districts as designated on the Zoning Map are designed to encourage equity as between owners of abutting or closely related lots or properties; to protect each so far as possible in the securing and retaining of adequate light and air; and to establish and maintain throughout neighborhoods a reasonable community standard of physical environments.