[Amended 12-12-1988 by Ord. No. 1491]
[Amended 12-8-1997 by Ord. No. 1622]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania."
A.
The zoning regulations and districts set forth in this chapter are
made after careful study of the needs of the City, in conjunction
with the City's Master Plan, and intended to achieve the following
purposes:
(1)
Lessen congestion on the streets.
(2)
Secure safety from fire and panic.
(3)
Promote health and general welfare.
(4)
Provide adequate light and circulation.
(5)
Prevent overcrowding of the land.
(6)
Avoid unsafe or unhealthy population congestion.
(7)
Facilitate sound provisions for housing, commercial and industrial
development, transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks and other
public improvements.
B.
It is further the purpose of this chapter to guide development not
only within the above-stated purposes, but also in consideration of
the existing structure and character of the community in order to
conserve existing values while making the most appropriate use of
land throughout the City.
This chapter regulates and restricts within the boundaries of
the City of Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania:
A.
The size of buildings and other structures.
B.
Their alteration or extension.
C.
The percentage of lot that may be occupied.
D.
The density of population.
E.
All facilities and services in or about such buildings and structures.
F.
The size of open space.
G.
Parking, signs and other public features.
H.
The location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade,
industry, residence or other purposes.
I.
Building lines and building setbacks as between buildings and upon
public streets.
This chapter has been developed as a legislative and administrative
tool to help the City Council and Planning Commission to carry out
the general development objectives prescribed in the City's comprehensive
and community development plans. Although the specifics of these plans
may change from time to time, the general objectives of the community
are:
A.
Maintain the aesthetic quality of existing buildings.
B.
Improve the quality of life.
C.
Encourage the expansion of residential development and use.
D.
Prevent the further development of incompatible activities.
E.
Encourage the use of upper stories of existing buildings, particularly
in the central business district.
F.
Protect the economic viability of the existing business district.
G.
Protect the waterways from adverse or undesirable development.
H.
Encourage the efficient use or reuse of vacant or underutilized buildings.
I.
Improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on the streets.
J.
Protect the residential character of the major portions of the community
now devoted primarily to residential use.
K.
Prevent the unwarranted expansion of new strip-type commercial development.
L.
Permit greater density of residential development in a controlled
manner.
M.
Provide for and encourage existing enterprises the maximum opportunity
to expand.
A.
It is the intent of the Council of the City of Warren to rescind
in total the Zoning Ordinance of the Borough of Warren, Ordinance
No. 858 of March 22, 1967, and all amendments thereto enacted prior
to the adoption of this chapter which replaces Ordinance No. 858,
as amended.
B.
It is the intent of the City Council to promote regulations, standards
and guidance for the development and renewal of the City of Warren
through sound planning which is carried out through this chapter and
other measures.
