West Vincent Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
§ 390-1 Short title and effective date.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "West Vincent Township Zoning Ordinance of 2010." This chapter shall become effective five days following its official adoption.
§ 390-2 Ordinance provisions.
This chapter is enacted to permit, prohibit, regulate, restrict and determine: uses of land, watercourses, and other bodies of water; size, height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal, and use of structures; areas and dimensions of land and bodies of water to be occupied by uses and structures, as well as areas, courts, yards and other greenway lands and distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures; density of population and intensity of use; provisions for special exceptions and variances; provisions for conditional uses; provisions for the administration and enforcement of such ordinances; provisions for the protection and preservation of natural resources and agricultural land and activities; and such other provisions as may be necessary to implement the purposes of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
§ 390-3 Purpose.
A.
This chapter is enacted under and pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended, for the following purposes:
(1)
To promote, protect and facilitate one or more of the following: the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of current and future Township residents; the coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, civil defense, disaster evacuation, airports and national defense facilities, the provisions of adequate light and air, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewage, schools, public grounds and other public requirements.
(2)
To prevent one or more of the following: overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers.
(3)
To preserve prime agriculture and farmland considering topography, soil type and classification, and present use.
(4)
To promote sustainability by: adopting measures to reduce Township-wide energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels or other sources that negatively affect the natural environment; incorporating protections for local ecosystems; and supporting sustainable policies and practices in a manner that enhances the community's prosperity, its sense of community identity, inclusiveness and civic-mindfulness; honoring and advancing the natural beauty of the Township in an effort to achieve the status as a model community for sustainable policies and practices.
B.
This chapter has been prepared in accordance with the West Vincent Township Comprehensive Plan, as amended; the Phoenixville Regional Comprehensive Plan; the Township Sustainability Plan of 2012, as amended; and with consideration for the character of the Township, its various parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures.
§ 390-4 Community development objectives.
This chapter has been prepared in accordance with the West Vincent Township Comprehensive Plan, as amended, and with consideration for the goals and objectives of the Township. The goals and objectives are stated within the Township Comprehensive Plan, which goals are reestablished as part of this chapter, as follows:
A.
To provide for the preservation, protection, management and enhancement of the natural resources and environmental qualities of West Vincent Township for present and future generations.
B.
To encourage and promote the provisions for a wide range and variety of decent, safe and sanitary housing that meet the needs of all present and future Township residents regardless of age, sex, income, religion or ethnic background and which is compatible with the limitations established by the environment, transportation network, community facilities and services.
C.
To provide, in an economically and aesthetically beneficial manner, the various facilities and services necessary to meet the existing and future needs of the Township in a way that is compatible with the natural and man-made environments.
D.
To provide a transportation system that provides the most efficient, safe and convenient movement of goods and people while minimizing the adverse impacts the system may have on the natural and man-made environment.
E.
To encourage opportunities for managed economic development and expansion in the Township compatible with the natural and man-made environment of the area, including services, facilities and transportation network, and consistent with regional needs and capabilities for appropriate economic activities.
F.
To promote the adequate provision for recreational and cultural amenities.
G.
To promote the conservation and continuation of agricultural activities in the Township.
H.
To develop a planning implementation program that continually updates planning policies and coordinates these policies with Township and regional officials and residents.
§ 390-5 Interpretation.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, the said provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements for promoting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Township and its residents. Any use, structure, building or sign shall conform with all provisions of the chapter, except those for which an exception or variance may be granted.
§ 390-6 Conflict.
A.
It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with, abrogate or annul any rules or regulations previously adopted or permits previously issued by the Township, provided the same are not in conflict with any provisions of this chapter, nor is it intended by this chapter to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any easement, covenants, building restrictions, or any other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of the buildings or premises or upon the height of the building, or requires a larger greenway land than is imposed or required by such ordinance, rules, regulations or permits or by easements, covenants, building restrictions or agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
B.
When the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than established by this chapter, the provisions of such statute, other ordinance or regulation shall be controlling.