This chapter is enacted to implement and further the land development and use objectives, policies and recommendations stated in the Whitehall Township Comprehensive Plan.
The specific purposes of this chapter are:
A. 
To protect the established character and the social and economic well-being of both private and public property.
B. 
To promote, in the public interest, the utilization of land for the purposes for which it is most appropriate.
C. 
To prevent loss from fire, panic or other danger.
D. 
To provide adequate light and air.
E. 
To provide convenience of access.
F. 
To prevent overcrowding of land and buildings.
G. 
To avoid undue concentration of population.
H. 
To lessen and, where possible, prevent traffic congestion on public streets and highways.
I. 
To preserve and enhance the value of buildings and land.
J. 
To preserve and enhance the visual character and natural beauty of the Township.
K. 
To provide mediation.
L. 
To protect and preserve natural resources and agricultural land and activities.
M. 
To protect and preserve natural scenic and historical values in the environment and preservation of forests, wetlands, aquifers and floodplains.
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1729]
N. 
To assure compliance with all applicable provisions of federal fair housing laws.
[Added 1-11-2016 by Ord. No. 3039]
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed to be the minimum requirements necessary to serve the purposes and community development objectives of the Township. Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions or higher standards than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation, the provisions of this chapter shall govern. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions or higher standards than those enumerated in this chapter, the provisions of such statute, ordinance or regulation shall govern.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the words and phrases listed in the definition section of this chapter shall be construed throughout this chapter to have the meaning therein indicated. The singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular. The present tense shall include the future tense. The word "shall" is always mandatory. The phrase "this chapter" shall be read as including any and all amendments to this chapter. The phrase "Municipalities Planning Code" shall mean that statute found at 53 P.S. § 10101 et. seq.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, unenforceable or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the chapter. The Board of Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as "Commissioners") hereby declares that it would have passed this chapter and each remaining section and subsection and amendment thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of its sections, subsections, clauses, phrases or amendments may be found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid.