Part 1 Short Title, Purpose, Community Development Objectives and Authority

§ 27-101. Short Title.

   These regulations shall be known and may be cited as the "Dover Township Zoning Ordinance" and the Zoning Map referred to herein and adopted as part of this Chapter shall be known as the "Dover Township Zoning Map".

(Ord. 2024-01, 5/13/2024)

§ 27-102. Purpose of Chapter.

   1.   The regulations in this Chapter have been promulgated with the purpose of promoting, protecting, and facilitating:

      A.   Coordinated and practical community development.

      B.   Proper density of population.

      C.   Adequate water and sewerage.

      D.   Adequate police protection, schools, parks and other public requirements.

      E.   Adequate light and air.

      F.   Adequate transportation, parking and loading space.

      G.   The public health, safety, morals and general welfare.

   2.   The regulations are also designed to prevent:

      A.   Overcrowding of land.

      B.   Blight.

      C.   Danger and congestion in travel and transportation.

      D.   Injury or loss of health, life, or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers.

(Ord. 2024-01, 5/13/2024)

§ 27-103. Community Development Objectives.

   This Chapter is enacted as part of the overall plan for the orderly growth and development of Dover Township. As such, this Chapter is based upon the expressed or implied plan objectives contained in the Dover Borough/Dover Township Joint Comprehensive Plan. This Chapter provides a legal basis and framework for future community development. The following Comprehensive Plan Objectives provide the basis for development of growth management and community revitalization strategies, policies, projects and programs:

      1.   Provide a growth management strategy that addresses the quality, quantity, location and phasing of residential growth to meet needs of all income levels and to meet access and circulation needs.

      2.   Provide for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens by developing a plan for adequate public utilities including water, sewer and stormwater management to meet both current and future needs.

      3.   Provide for the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services with access to multiple modes of transportation in and through the Township and Borough.

      4.   Identify economic development opportunities and strategies with an emphasis on commercial and industrial development that are compatible with the community and supported by adequate facilities including utilities, water, sewer and transportation facilities.

      5.   Provide strategies for preservation and conservation of agricultural lands, natural resources (including but not limited to water resources) and environmentally sensitive lands through regulation and partnership with landowners.

      6.   Preserve and enhance the rural village character within the Village Center covering Dover Borough and areas immediately adjacent within the Township.

      7.   Provide for adequate public facilities and services including parks and recreation facilities, community centers, and desired programs for all ages at locations accessible to current and anticipated neighborhoods.

      8.   Provide necessary services including police, fire emergency services, schools, disposal of solid waste and other similar services to meet the needs of all citizens and businesses.

      9.   Establish land use policy that adheres to the principles of smart growth to build a sustainable community including provisions for preservation and conservation of natural resources and agricultural lands, reduction of development impacts on the environment, restriction of growth outside of the growth boundary, adequate public facilities and services, and improved accessibility to goods and services.

      10.   To provide citizens and prospective developers with a clear understanding of the Township's land use decision making process and to encourage citizen participation in the land use decision making process.

(Ord. 2024-01, 5/13/2024)

§ 27-104. Authority.

   Section 601 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247), 53 P.S. §10601, provides that the Dover Township Board of Supervisors may accomplish any purposes of Act 247 by enacting a zoning ordinance within the Township.

(Ord. 2024-01, 5/13/2024)

§ 27-105. Conflicting Provisions.

   Where a provision of this Chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any land use ordinance or code, applicable health, building, housing, or safety regulation, or any other ordinance, resolution, or regulation, on or after the effective date of this Chapter, the provision which establishes the more restrictive standard for protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the people shall prevail.

(Ord. 2024-01, 5/13/2024)

Part 2 Definitions of Terms