This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Nockamixon Township Zoning Ordinance."
An ordinance regulating the height, bulk, erection, construction, alteration, razing, removal and size of structures; the percentage of lot which may be occupied; the size of yards, courts and other open spaces; the density and distribution of population; the intensity of use of land or bodies of water for trade, industry, residence, recreation, public activities or other purposes and the uses of land for agriculture, water supply, conservation or other purposes, in all portions of Nockamixon Township.
This chapter is enacted in accordance with Section 601 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247), as amended,[1] for the following purposes:
A. 
To promote the health, safety, morals and the general welfare of the Township.
B. 
To promote, protect and facilitate coordinated community development.
C. 
To lessen congestion on the roads and highways.
D. 
To secure safety from flood, fire, panic and other danger.
E. 
To provide adequate light and air.
F. 
To prevent the overcrowding of land and to avoid undue congestion of population.
G. 
To facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water supply, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.
H. 
To conserve the value of buildings.
I. 
To encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Township.
J. 
To provide for the protection and preservation of natural resources and agricultural land and activities within the Township.
K. 
To encourage the preservation of the natural, scenic and historic values in the environment and preservation of forests, wetlands, aquifers and floodplains.
L. 
To accommodate reasonable community growth and opportunities for the development of a variety of residential dwelling types and nonresidential uses.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
This chapter provides a legal basis and framework for future community development and is based on the duly adopted Goals and Objectives as contained in the Comprehensive Plan of Nockamixon Township.
A. 
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Township. Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than this chapter, the provisions of such statute, other ordinance or regulation shall be controlling.
B. 
Nothing contained in the provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted or construed to permit discrimination against any person who suffers from a "handicap" as that term is defined in Section 3602(h) of the Fair Housing Act [42 U.S.C. § 3602(h)] and is protected as such from discrimination under the provisions of Section 3604(f) thereof [42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)], and the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to make reasonable accommodation in the interpretation, application and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and any rules, policies, practices or services implemented in conjunction therewith when such accommodation may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.
[Added 11-20-2012 by Ord. No. 145]
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or interfere with any existing ordinance or enactment or with any rule, regulation or permit previously adopted or issued thereunder, except insofar as the same may be inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter, provided that where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of buildings or land or upon the height and bulk of buildings or prescribes larger open spaces than are required by the provisions of such ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation or permit, then the provisions of this chapter shall control.
This chapter requires that within the Township of Nockamixon in the County of Bucks and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, no land, body of water or structure shall hereafter be used or occupied and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or structurally altered unless in conformity with all the regulations and procedures herein specified.