Zoning Ordinance & Map Update

Why is a zoning ordinance and map update a priority for the Township?

The Township has a robust set of planning guidelines to include the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, corridor and streetscape studies, official maps, and other related documents that create a sense of vision for the community.  However, these planning guidelines are out of alignment with the Township's zoning ordinance as illustrated by the Zoning Diagnosis Memo, with an emphasis on the below issues:

• Unrealistic land use expectations based on Zoning Map overlay throughout the Township, leading to an excessive amount of:
  • Existing non-conforming use.
  • “By right” use of agricultural facilities, specifically in Residential districts.
  • Reliance on Conditional Use Hearings.
  • Reliance on the Zoning Hearing Board for Special Exceptions and Variances.
• Lack of flexibility for revitalization efforts within specific zoning districts.
• Constraints within low-and medium-density Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3) to achieve the Township’s and Chester County's Missing Middle Housing initiatives.
• Lack of designated Agricultural districts to define and buffer areas of industrial-grade agricultural production from other land uses, specifically residential.
• Lack of mixed-use, planned-use, and other blended-use zoning districts to permit developers to implement innovative approaches to modern revitalization.
• Zoning misalignment with existing and future infrastructure (streets, stormwater, and sewer).

Who authorizes zoning changes?

Per the Municipal Planning Code (MPC) which was established by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1968 via Act 247, only the appointed planning agency (Planning Commission) at the request of the governing body (Board of Supervisors) may prepare and present to the governing body of the municipality a zoning ordinance, and make recommendations to the governing body on proposed amendments to it as set forth in this act. 

Where can I sign up for zoning project meeting notifications?

The Township recognizes the need for transparency to build consensus on the process of updating the zoning ordinance and map, and encourages interested residents and business owners to engage in the process, as evidenced by the significant number of requested consultant support for project meetings to include:

• Eighteen (18) Zoning Task Force and Staff Meetings - Due diligence reviews in preparation of all draft articles and map recommendations
• Four (4) Public Outreach Meetings - Community workshops and input sessions
• Two (2) Planning Commission Public Hearings - Preliminary and Final Hearings to adopt with public input
• Two (2) Board of Supervisor Public Hearings - Preliminary and Final Hearings to adopt with public input

There are two methods to sign up to receive notifications for zoning related public meetings, which are digitally advertised along with roadway signage located throughout the community well in advance of the meetings:

• Township notifications (includes updates on agendas, alerts, calendar events, and the Township newsflash)
• The below zoning project website email sign up