A. The purpose of establishing this overlay zoning district is to protect the aesthetic and visual character of lands in Marshall Township adjacent to major existing highway corridors, as defined herein, and to provide for and promote their orderly development. The overlay district regulations are intended to supplement the regulations of the underlying zoning districts and to provide for compatibility of development along the identified corridor. All land development proposed within this district shall be subject to the procedures, standards and guidelines specified in the following sections, in addition to those standards pertaining to the particular underlying zoning district in which the land development occurs. Where there is any conflict with the underlying zoning district, the regulations of this district shall be imposed. In particular, the purpose of the Corridor Enhancement Overlay District is as follows:
1. To provide for the continued safe and efficient use of the TOWNSHIP’S major existing and proposed roadways.
2. To maintain the natural beauty and scenic, cultural and historic character of the corridors, particularly distinctive views and visual continuity.
3. To protect existing greenbelts, natural vegetation and wildlife habitats along the corridors.
4. To limit clearing, grading and clear cutting along the corridors.
5. To minimize cut and fill operations by placing emphasis on the retention of natural topography of the corridors.
6. To promote safe ingress and egress and efficient traffic flow in the corridor by managing access from the roadway to homes, businesses and other uses.
7. To create general consistency with the Marshall Township Comprehensive Plan, including its goal to “balance the protection of Marshall Township’s natural resources with demands for economic growth and development.”
B. These purposes will be accomplished through evaluation of proposed land developments within this zoning district by the Board of Supervisors, which shall review the location, character and appearance of new development in the district. It is the purpose of such review to determine, in a cooperative fashion with the applicant, whether a proposed plan meets the guidelines and other standards of this zoning district.
