This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Whitpain Township Zoning Ordinance of 1950," as amended, and the map hereto attached,[1] as the "Whitpain Township Zoning Map."

This chapter is enacted for the purposes, inter alia, of lessening congestion on the roads and streets; securing safety from fire, panic and other dangers; promoting health and the general welfare; providing adequate light and air; preventing the overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements; and promoting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Township of Whitpain, County of Montgomery, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or interfere with any existing ordinances or enactments 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, provided that where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of buildings or land or upon the height or bulk of buildings or prescribes larger open spaces than are required by the provisions of such ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation or permit, then the provisions of this chapter shall control.

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the health, safety and morals and general welfare of the Township. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with any Building Code[1] heretofore or hereafter adopted or any rules or regulations of the Board of Health.

The provisions of Chapter 160 of the Code of the Township of Whitpain, also known as the "Whitpain Township Zoning Ordinance of 1950," as amended, shall not apply to any tracts, lots or parcels of land situate in Whitpain Township which are presently owned or leased by Whitpain Township or were owned or leased by the Whitpain Township Sewer Authority or the Municipal Improvement Authority of Whitpain Township and are now, by reason of the dissolution of said Authorities and by operation of law, the property of Whitpain Township. The Zoning Ordinance, as amended, shall not apply to any sign or signs installed within the Township and its rights-of-way, either of a temporary or permanent nature, when installed at the direction or authorization of the Township Manager or Board of Supervisors. Any tracts, lots or parcels of land which are or may be acquired by Whitpain Township in the future, after acquisition by the Township and so long as held by the Township or an authority which may hereinafter be created by and through the powers of the Board of Supervisors of Whitpain Township, shall be exempt from the application of regulations of the Zoning Ordinance of Whitpain Township or any subsequent amendments thereto for so long as the tracts, parcels or lots of ground are held in such Township ownership.

If at any time land belonging to the Township or any former authority created by the Township which becomes Township property or lands hereinafter titled in the Township or an authority created by and through the lawful activities of the Board of Supervisors of Whitpain Township shall, by whatever means, no longer be owned by Township or authorities as aforesaid, such lots, tracts or parcels shall be immediately subject to the zoning regulations as set forth in the then-applicable Zoning Ordinance of Whitpain Township, as the same may be or may have been amended from time to time.