This is a chapter establishing regulations and restrictions
for the location and use of lots, land, buildings, and other structures,
the height, number of stories, and size or bulk of buildings and structures,
the density of population, off-street parking and similar accessory
regulations, in the Borough of Stockertown, Northampton County, Pennsylvania,
and for said purposes dividing the Borough into districts and prescribing
certain uniform regulations for each such district and providing for
administrative enforcement and amendment of its provisions in accordance
with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended. This
chapter shall be known as, and may be cited as, "The Stockertown Borough
Zoning Ordinance of 2005."
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A.
Promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals,
general welfare, coordinated and practical community development,
proper density of population, civil defense, the provisions of adequate
light and air, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space,
transportation, water, sewerage, schools, public grounds and other
public improvements; as well as preservation of the natural scenic
and historic value in the environment and preservation of forests,
wetlands, aquifers and floodplains.
B.
Prevent the overcrowding of land, blight, danger, and congestion
in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from
fire, flooding, panic or other dangers; and toward these ends, this
chapter is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of Stockertown
Borough with consideration for the character of the Borough, its various
parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses
and structures.
C.
Accommodate reasonable overall community growth, including population
and employment growth, and opportunities for development of a variety
of residential dwelling types and nonresidential uses.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter,
they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion
of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. 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.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul
or interfere with any existing ordinance of enactment, or with any
rule, regulation or permit adopted or issued thereunder, except insofar
as the same may be inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions
of this chapter.
While more fully set forth in the Stockertown Borough Comprehensive
Plan, as amended, the following community development objectives summarize
the broad framework within which the more specific zoning regulations
herein are drawn:
A.
To continue to promote intermunicipal cooperation with a view to
solving regional development problems and work to avoiding duplication
of services and conserve regional municipal fiscal resources.
B.
To ensure the continuation of an adequate and safe water supply and
the construction of an adequate sewerage disposal system for Borough
residents in the near future.
C.
To coordinate and time future development through appropriate controls
to encourage Borough development when and where adequate public utilities
are available.
D.
To institute zoning controls designed to stabilize property values
and create a balanced pattern of areas within the Borough in which
to live, work and shop.
E.
To promote the preservation of unique scenic or natural assets such
as the creeks and floodways, hillsides and wooded areas through adequate
controls.
F.
To work toward the development of a capital improvement program and
plan for needed long-range improvements.
G.
To work toward providing adequate, well-located public recreation
areas for Borough residents, and encourage joint school-municipal
use of all.
H.
To discourage conversion of existing residences to higher densities
or business activities where such conversion may result in functional
overcrowding of land or streets or a mixed land use pattern.
I.
To encourage separate and better industrial highway access and interface
with residential areas.
J.
To coordinate future street improvements with major traffic generators,
such as industry, schools, etc., so that these areas are readily accessible
by good streets.
K.
To provide for industrial and commercial expansion in appropriate
locations within the Borough.
L.
To adopt land subdivision ordinances to insure sound land development
practices and minimize the Borough's expense for improvements.
M.
To provide as high a level of community service that is financially
feasible in order to make the community an attractive place to live.
