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Township of Potter, PA
Centre County
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Code
New Laws (2) Index
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Potter Township Zoning Ordinance."
The intent of this chapter is to establish comprehensive controls for the development and use of land based upon Penns Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan as prepared by the Potter Township Planning Commission and accepted by the Potter Township Board of Supervisors and it is enacted in order to promote and protect the safety, health, welfare, comfort, convenience and the general welfare of the residents of Potter Township.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
This chapter is designed and made in accordance with a comprehensive plan and with consideration being given to the character of the Township, the uses presently in place and the suitability of the various parts of the Township for particular uses and structures.
B. 
The provisions and regulations in this chapter are designed to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, the provision of adequate light and air, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks, public grounds and other public requirements.
C. 
It is also the purpose and design of this chapter to prevent the overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation and minimize to the greatest extent possible loss of health, life and property from fire, flood, panic, natural disaster or other dangers.
D. 
Finally, it is the purpose and design of this chapter to protect the public health and welfare by preventing the deterioration of the natural environment of the Township and pollution of the water, land and air within the Township. In so far as possible, it is the purpose and intent of this chapter to improve the condition of the environment within the Township by reducing the levels of pollutants in the land, water and air of the Township.
A. 
From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use of all land and every building or portion of a building erected or altered with respect to the height or area thereof or added to or relocated and every use within a building or use accessory thereto in Potter Township shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Any existing building or structure and any existing use of a building or land not in conformity with the regulations as herein described shall be regarded as nonconforming. Such building or use may be continued, extended or changed only subject to the special regulations herein provided regarding nonconforming buildings and uses.
A. 
The Board of Supervisors of Potter Township sets forth the following legislative finding with respect to land use, density of population, location and function of roads and other Township facilities and utilities and other factors which the Board believes relevant in establishing goals or development objectives for the future development of the Township. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to establish such goals and objectives and to provide the means and regulations whereby these goals and objectives may be attained.
B. 
A more complete discussion of the goals and development objectives of Potter Township may be found in the Penns Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan as prepared by the Potter Township Planning Commission and adopted by the Potter Township Board of Supervisors. This chapter is based upon and drawn from the Comprehensive Plan.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
To provide for the orderly development of the Township based upon the Penns Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
To encourage the best use of the land.
C. 
To protect against potential nuisance uses of the land.
D. 
To protect and maintain the aesthetic and environmental qualities of the Township and the quality of life therein.
E. 
To guide the development of the Township so as to provide adequate and economical community facilities and public utilities.
F. 
To provide for a harmonious relationship between different land use categories by providing proper and adequate sites for each use.
G. 
To provide stable land values.
H. 
To protect against hazards to life and property and to minimize the danger to the same connected with certain uses.
I. 
To provide suitable sites for residential purposes and for adequate public, cultural, religious, commercial, industrial and open space facilities to serve such areas.
J. 
To eliminate pollutants from the land, water and air of the Township.
K. 
To discourage the cluttering of public roads so as to protect their vehicle carrying capacity.
L. 
To protect and preserve the farmlands in the Township.
M. 
To protect and preserve the water resources of the Township, both aboveground and underground, so that future generations of Township residents will be assured of an abundant supply of clean water for domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial and recreational purposes.
The Supervisors of Potter Township, under authority granted to them by Articles VI through X, inclusive, of Act 247,[1] entitled, the "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code," and its amendments, do hereby ordain that this chapter is to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Township residents.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10601 et seq.