In any municipality, other than a county, which enacts a zoning ordinance, no part of such municipality shall be left unzoned. The provisions of all zoning ordinances may be classified so that different provisions may be applied to different classes of situations, uses and structures and to such various districts of the municipality as shall be described by a map made part of the zoning ordinance. Where zoning districts are created, all provisions shall be uniform for each class of uses or structures, within each district, except that additional classifications may be made within any district:
(1) For the purpose of making transitional provisions at and near the boundaries of districts.(1.1) For the purpose of regulating nonconforming uses and structures.(2) For the regulation, restriction or prohibition of uses and structures at, along or near: (i) major thoroughfares, their intersections and interchanges, transportation arteries and rail or transit terminals;(ii) natural or artificial bodies of water, boat docks and related facilities;(iii) places of relatively steep slope or grade, or other areas of hazardous geological or topographic features;(iv) public buildings and public grounds;(v) aircraft, helicopter, rocket, and spacecraft facilities;(vi) places having unique historical, architectural or patriotic interest or value; or(vii) flood plain areas, agricultural areas, sanitary landfills, and other places having a special character or use affecting and affected by their surroundings. As among several classes of zoning districts, the provisions for permitted uses may be mutually exclusive, in whole or in part.
(3) For the purpose of encouraging innovation and the promotion of flexibility, economy and ingenuity in development, including subdivisions and land developments as defined in this act, and for the purpose of authorizing increases in the permissible density of population or intensity of a particular use based upon expressed standards and criteria set forth in the zoning ordinance.(4) For the purpose of regulating transferable development rights on a voluntary basis.1968, July 31, P.L. 805, No. 247, art. VI, § 605. Amended 1972, June 1, P.L. 333, No. 93, § 8, effective in 60 days; 1978, Oct. 5, P.L. 775, No. 249, § 1, imd. effective. Reenacted and amended 1988, Dec. 21, P.L. 1329, No. 170, § 50, effective in 60 days.