Township of Kingston, PA INTRODUCTION AND ENACTMENT

[Ord. 6/11/1975A, § 2; as amended by Ord. 86-5, 1/14/1987; and by Ord. No. 2018-4, 12/12/2018]

Whereas, as the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Kingston has acted, pursuant to the authority granted to it by Act 247, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code of July 1968, as amended by Act 93 of 1972 and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Kingston Township, the following ordinance, to be known as the "Zoning Ordinance of Kingston Township, Pennsylvania," is hereby adopted and ordained effective the 14th day of January 1987. As part of this chapter so enacted into law is the "Official Zoning Map of the Township of Kingston," said map being identified by the inscription "Zoning Map of Kingston Township, Pennsylvania," adopted on the 14th day of January 1987, as amended.

[Ord. 6/11/1975A, § 3]

The zoning regulations and districts as herein set forth are made in accordance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Kingston Township, with consideration for the character of the Township, its various parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures, and in order to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of Kingston Township and of the public generally. The provisions are designed to prevent overcrowding of land, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property or other dangers. The chapter is also intended to support the following community development objectives:

Appearance. To improve the appearance of the land and structures in Kingston Township and to improve the utility of land, especially leveling the stripping areas and banks, controlling signs, and screening junkyards and other areas of bad appearance.

Education. To help maintain public and private school systems, capable of maximizing a student's potential, including large administrative districts with diversified educational opportunities. To better educate people of all ages, races, incomes, mental capacities and physical handicaps.

Transportation. To create an integrated transportation system, of using public transportation to its maximum effectiveness, and integrating it with private transportation, and to prepare and obtain acceptance of a continuing transportation system for Kingston Township, as related to Luzerne County, and its Transportation Authority and particularly to assist low income groups and elderly citizens in obtaining better transportation to jobs and shopping areas.

Recreation and Tourism. Provide sufficient recreation facilities, particularly at the Township level, to meet national standards, and promote tourism to the greatest extent possible.

Pollution. Eliminate or reduce major sources of pollution.

Flooding. To provide additional flood protection for critical areas, and to discourage development in floodplains that would be damaged by flooding.

Housing. To provide an adequate supply of sanitary and safe housing in a decent environment in Kingston Township for all income groups, regardless of race, color or background, including the rehabilitation of existing structures.

Crime Prevention. To reduce the incidence of crime to the extent possible, within Kingston Township.

Economics. To increase the tax base by providing land for commercial growth, and industrial growth where feasible, in the foreseeable future, so that it does not conflict with residential or public development.

Utilities. To promote the provision of public and private utilities in Kingston Township.

Land Use and Comprehensive Plans. To use the Zoning Ordinance as a tool to help implement the Land Use and Comprehensive Plans of Kingston Township.

Health. To improve the health of the residents of Kingston Township by controlling pollution, separating new residences for adequate light, sun and air, and the provision of adequate treatment facilities at the lowest possible cost. To reduce pollution to the lowest level which is economically feasible. To limit densities of population to reasonable standards, depending on location, to provide attractive surroundings, have sufficient parking and avoid congestion.

[Ord. 6/11/1975A, § 4]

Except as hereinafter provided, no land, building, structure or premises shall hereafter be used, and no building or part thereof or other structure shall be located, erected, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, altered or moved except in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located, and in conformity with all duly ordained ordinances, resolutions and subdivision regulations of Kingston Township except for provisions as stated in the Planned Residential Development Ordinance in effect or hereafter adopted. No yard space or minimum area required for a building or use shall be considered as any part of the yard space or minimum area for another building or use.