A.
Title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Robinson
Township Zoning Ordinance." The accompanying district map shall be
known, and may be cited as, the "Robinson Township Zoning Map."
B.
Authority. In accordance with the authority granted to Robinson Township,
Washington County, through Section 601 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code[1] (Act 247, as reenacted and amended), this chapter and
map are intended to implement the Comprehensive Plan and fulfill all
permissible purposes of zoning.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10601.
C.
Purpose. This chapter is deemed necessary in order to encourage beneficial
growth and protection of private property in the Township while keeping
the density of development consistent with existing Township facilities
and the Township's ability to develop new facilities as needed. This
chapter is also established to fulfill the purpose of Section 603
of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[2] as it relates to the Township's community development goals and objectives established in § 420-101 below.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10603.
The community development goals and objectives narrative is
taken directly from the adopted Robinson Township Comprehensive Plan
and are adopted herein by reference. The Township also established
a graphic map which addressed the timing and character of future development
within various portions of the Township which was used to establish
a generally consistent zoning map.
Rules for the interpretation of all defined words within this chapter are detailed in Article VI. Undefined terms shall be given their plain and customary meaning.
No structure shall be located, erected, demolished, constructed,
moved, externally altered, converted or enlarged nor shall any structure
or land use be used or designed to be used except in full compliance
with this chapter and after the lawful issuance of all permits and
certifications required by this chapter. There shall be no fee for
a demolition permit if a building is being replaced with a new structure.
All types of interior remodeling are exempt as long as there is no
change to the basic structure.
Should any section or provision of this chapter be declared
by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall
not affect the validity of the chapter as a whole, nor the validity
of any other section or provision of the chapter other than the one
so declared.
A.
In the event of conflicts between the provisions of this chapter
and any other ordinance or regulation, the least restrictive provisions
shall apply.
B.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter
shall be considered minimum requirements adopted for the promotion
of the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
C.
In interpreting the language of this chapter to determine the extent
of the restriction upon the use of property, the language shall be
interpreted, where doubt exists as to the intended meaning of the
language written and enacted by the Board of Supervisors, in favor
of the property owner and against any implied extension of the restriction.
Any resolution or ordinance, or any part of any resolution or
ordinance, conflicting with the provisions of this chapter is hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
The districts described under Article II of this chapter as well as all applicable standards for use, density, yards, and the approval and consideration of development are hereby established. This chapter shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors.
A map entitled the "Robinson Township Zoning Map" is hereby
adopted as part of this chapter. The Official Map shall be kept on
file and available for examination at the Township office. The Township
shall use this Official Zoning Map for interpretation. Informational
zoning maps may be printed and distributed, but shall not be utilized
for final interpretation of boundaries. All approved changes to zoning
districts shall be promptly recorded on the Zoning Map by the Zoning
Officer.
District boundaries that are shown between the lines of streets,
streams and transportation rights-of-way shall be deemed to follow
the center line. The vacation of streets shall not affect the locations
of such district boundaries. When the Zoning Officer cannot definitely
determine the location of a district boundary by such center lines,
by the scale of dimensions stated on the Zoning Map or by the fact
that it clearly coincides with a property line, he shall refuse action.
The Zoning Hearing Board, upon appeal, shall interpret the location
of the district boundary with reference to the scale of the Zoning
Map and the purpose set forth in all relevant provisions of this chapter.
Any territory hereafter annexed by the Township or gained through
discovery, survey, or mapping error will be automatically zoned Rural
Residential District until otherwise classified by the Township.
Property owned, leased, or operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
the United States, or the Township, or any other public or governmental
body or agency, shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter
as follows:
A.
Extent of Township powers. Governmental entities and agencies shall
be exempt from the provisions of this chapter only to the extent that
the Township determines it has no power to apply its zoning regulations
to the particular use of land.
B.
Municipal applicability. In the interest of the protection of health
and safety, the Township shall be exempt from the provisions of this
chapter in the course of municipal functions related to road maintenance
and provision of infrastructure, including grading, paving, culverts,
bridges, directional and safety signage, and similar structures and
appurtenances, in particular any applicable setback and permitting
procedures. The Township shall maintain all lot, yard, and coverage
standards for any municipal building or municipally owned structure.
A.
The Township Board of Supervisors shall, from time to time, establish
by resolution a schedule of fees, charges and expenses and a collection
procedure for zoning permits, appeals and other matters pertaining
to the chapter. The schedule of fees and related information may be
posted in the Township offices and may be amended only by official
action by the Township Board of Supervisors.
B.
No permit, certificate, application or variance shall be issued,
nor shall any action be taken on proceedings before the Zoning Hearing
Board, unless and until such costs, charges, fees or expenses have
been paid in full.
C.
A zoning permit or certificate shall be required for any change in
the use of a building, land or structure, all new construction, additions
or alterations affecting exterior dimensions of existing structures
and any structural or interior changes required for a change of the
structure's use. Remodeling or improvement of an existing building
which does not alter the basic structure, create additional lot coverage
or change the use of the parcel or building is exempt from this specific
requirement. All agriculture buildings and structures are exempt from
zoning permits or certificates.
A Table of Authorized Uses is included in this chapter as Exhibit
A.[1] To the extent there is a discrepancy between the Table
of Authorized Uses and the body of this chapter, the body of this
chapter shall control.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said table is included as an attachment to this chapter.
