The majority of the land in Damascus Township is in the Delaware River watershed, a National Scenic and Recreational River. Through local planning and zoning ordinances, and enforcement of State and Federal environmental laws, care is taken to preserve our air and water quality. Farms and fields are abundant with many tracts of beautiful wooded areas. The landscape is dotted with residential areas to round out the rural uses.

Damascus Township Zoning Ordinance - An Ordinance establishing regulations and restrictions for, among other purposes, the location and use of lots, land, and structures; the height, number of stories, and size or bulk of structures; the density of population; off-street parking and signs in Damascus Township.

Purpose - The Zoning Ordinance was created for the purpose of promoting and protecting the public health, safety, and welfare consistent with Section 604 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

The Community Development Objectives of the Zoning Ordinance are in general conformance with the Damascus Township Comprehensive Plan. They include, but are not limited to the following:
     - Guiding land uses to areas of the Township which can best accommodate them so as to provide for both controlled growth and economic development.
     - Maintaining safe means of circulation through the Township.
     - Maintaining good housing conditions and affordable housing availability.
     - Protecting the community to as great a degree as practical from natural or man-made disasters or other dangers.
     - Ensuring all development is done with proper regard for health, safety and welfare concerns of the Township and necessary improvements can or will be made to accommodate the activities which will result.
     - Protecting agricultural security areas and farm operations so as to preserve the economic vitality of such enterprises, particularly family farms, and to promote the agricultural and farm character of the Township.

Interpretation - In their interpretation and application, the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, and/or general welfare of the residents and inhabitants of the Township.

In interpreting the language of the Zoning Ordinance to determine the extent of the restriction upon the use of the property, the language shall be interpreted, where doubt exists as to the intended meaning of the language written and enacted by the governing body, in favor of the property owner and against any implied extension of the restriction.

In accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the regulations are enforced by the Zoning Officer.