This chapter is enacted to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals and general welfare through coordinated and practical community development, with strong emphasis on the following:

This chapter is enacted 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.

Insure that future uses of land are compatible with the existing character, values and patterns of activity within the Township and adjacent areas and that location, intensity, mix and timing of development clearly reflect the relative suitability of areas within the Township for such development.

Protect the existing resources and values of the community against undesirable impacts of change, remedy current threats to their integrity, enhance their usefulness and accessibility to Township residents and landowners.

Provide community services and facilities to meet the needs of residents, landowners, entrepreneurs, and, as appropriate, the larger region, and to accommodate future development as called for in the Township Comprehensive Plan, consistent with the Township's statutory and fiscal capabilities. Community services and facilities include, but are not limited to, police and fire protection, roads, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, water supply, stormwater management, sewer facilities, open space and recreation.

In the interpretation and application of the provisions of this chapter, the provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirement for the promotion of the purposes of this chapter.

From and after the effective date of this chapter, use, construction and development of all land, every building or portion thereof, will be subject to the regulations contained herein. The use of all land, every building or portion thereof which is to be erected, altered or relocated hereafter in West Whiteland Township shall be in conformance with this chapter. Any lawfully existing buildings, land 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 (Article XVIII).

Classes of districts. For the purpose of this chapter, the Township is hereby divided into districts which shall be designated as follows:

Historical sites. In addition to the above-designated districts, this chapter also recognizes historic sites inventoried by the West Whiteland Township Historical Commission and adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

Zoning Map. The location and boundaries of said districts shall be shown upon the Zoning Map, which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is attached to and is declared to be a part of this chapter.[1]

District boundary lines. The district boundary lines shall be as shown on the Zoning Map. The boundaries, unless otherwise indicated, are intended to coincide with lot lines, center lines of streets and alleys, rights-of-way, floodplains and of beds of streams and watercourses, the corporate boundary to the Township or such lines extended or lines parallel thereto, existing at time of passage of this chapter. In the event of dispute about the location of a district boundary line, the Zoning Officer shall investigate and render a decision to be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors and appeals incident to such a decision shall be heard by the Zoning Hearing Board.