Township of Allen, PA ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS

[Ord. 2000-03, 9/14/2000, Art. III, § 303]

Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the district as indicated on the Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply:

Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately coinciding with the center lines of streets, highways, railroad lines, or streams, such center lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

Where district boundaries are so indicated that they approximately coincide with lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be said boundaries, or where district boundaries are extensions of lot lines and connect the intersections of lot lines, such lines shall be said district boundaries.

Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are approximately parallel to center lines of streets or highways, such district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance therefrom as indicated on the Zoning Map.

[Ord. 2000-03, 9/14/2000, Art. III, § 304]

Agricultural District. The primary purpose of this district is to promote the continuation and preservation of agricultural activities in those areas most suitable for such activities. This district also intends to protect and stabilize the Township's agricultural economy by eliminating uses that are incompatible with farming, but permitting limited agricultural support businesses. Consequently, residential uses are limited and any future inhabitants in this district must be willing to accept the impacts associated with normal farming practices, in related businesses.

Rural District. This district acknowledges and permits the continuation of sparsely developed areas of the Township. These areas are characterized by large lot detached dwellings and other small-scale service uses that provide some local conveniences within a rural setting. This district will continue these development trends but will impose standards upon nonresidential uses that will protect nearby residences. No public utilities are foreseeable within this district; therefore, larger lot sizes are used to provide sufficient space to install on-site sewer and water facilities.

Low Density Residential District. This district accommodates suburban residential uses. Some areas of this district coincide with expected sewer and water utility service areas; however, the actual availability of these services is likely to occur at different times in different areas. As a result, permanent densities have been adjusted according to the availability of these public utilities. When no public sewers are provided, minimum lot area requirements have been sized to provide for an initial and an alternate on-site sewage disposal system. Agricultural activities have been allowed acknowledging their likely continuation until such time as the areas are needed for development.

Medium Density Residential District. This district accommodates the suburban residential uses and coincides with expected sewer and water utility service areas within the near future. Agricultural activities have been allowed acknowledging their likely continuation until such time as the areas are needed for development.

High Density Residential District. This district seeks to accommodate the higher density housing needs of the Township. A wide range of housing types is encouraged with densities exceeding those permitted elsewhere in the Township. This district is located adjacent to the neighboring Boroughs where public water and public sewer extensions are most feasible.

Mobile Home Park District. The purpose of this district is to provide for an economically feasible housing choice within the Township at an appropriate density. The location of the district is intended to ensure that the facilities for this type of use are available and that the use will blend with other uses in the Township. Regulations are provided to assure that mobile home parks will be an asset to the community as well as a quality place for those who choose to reside there.

Industrial/Commercial District. This district is established to accommodate those retail and business activities compatible to industrial land uses. A mix of uses is intended to serve a similar user base with similar infrastructure needs while allowing orderly growth of the Township.

Industrial District. This district is established to contribute to the soundness of the economic base of the Township by permitting and encouraging industrial development to take place in locations that will constitute a harmonious and appropriate addition to the physical development of the Township.

Highway Commercial District. This district is established to accommodate those retail and business activities that serve a regional market and are not normally part of a shopping center development and those activities that require merchandising oriented to the highway user.

10.

Neighborhood Commercial District. The purpose of this district is to encourage the continuation of a "village" atmosphere for residents and small commercial establishments. The district is to provide basic convenience commercial goods and services to residents who live within an existing village setting. Uses have been limited to those residents are likely to need on a daily or regular basis. Overall, retail size has been restricted to prevent the establishment of intensive commercial uses that exceed the local orientation of this district.

	Agricultural	(A)
	Rural	(R)
	Low Density Residential	(R1)
	Medium Density Residential	(R2)
	High Density Residential	(R3)
	Mobile Home Park	(MHP)
	Industrial Commercial	(I/C)
	Industrial	(I)
	Highway Commercial	(HC)
	Neighborhood Commercial	(NC)