2717 Hill Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054

Rural Preservation District

In expansion of the declaration of legislative intent found in Article I, 285-2, of this chapter, and the statement of community development objectives found in Article I, 285-3, of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to maintain the rural character of certain portions of the Township, and promote the preservation of land and waterways which because of location or natural features have a unique character by: Minimizing the amount of new urban or suburban development which occurs in the portions of the Township that are now rural in character, and to blend that which does occur unobtrusively into the rural environment; Discouraging the location of nonrural uses which do not blend with and complement the rural character; Maintaining a sufficiently low density and intensity of uses here to make unnecessary the provision of suburban-type improvements, services, facilities and infrastructure; Avoiding inducement to further extend existing suburban development by leapfrog or infill development; Preserving from development natural amenities including prime agricultural soils and farms, woodlands, floodplains, steep slopes, stream valleys and rock outcrops; Encouraging retention of woodlands, hedgerows, and other vegetation to moderate the effects of storms, absorb pollutants and noise, shelter wildlife and provide a diverse natural environment; Maintaining rural vistas, especially from public areas such as roads and waterways; Locating housing units and other nonrural uses where they are least visible and hidden by topography or vegetation and thus minimize perceived density.