Zoning

The Zoning Hearing Board is an independent, quasi-judicial body of three citizens appointed by the Board of Supervisors to hear and decide requests for variances and special exceptions from the Zoning Ordinance. Variances may be granted for reasons such as irregularities of a lot which make strict adherence to the ordinance impossible. Variances are not granted simply because of an objection to the terms of the ordinance, nor when a forbidden USE of a property is requested. A Special Exception is when an applicant wishes to have a use, plot arrangement or structure which is specifically stated in the Zoning Ordinance as being allowable as a “special exception.” For instance, a gasoline service station is a use permitted by special exception in the Township’s Commercial Zoning District. In granting a variance or special exception, the Zoning Hearing Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of the zoning ordinance. The Zoning Hearing Board also hears and decides challenges to the validity of the Zoning Ordinance and Map as well as appeals from actions of the Zoning Officer in alleged failure to follow prescribed procedures, misinterpretation or misapplication of a provision of the Zoning Ordinance or Map. Appeals from its decisions may be taken to the County Court of Common Pleas. Its hearings are public and formal, with testimony being taken under oath and all proceedings recorded by a court stenographer. All hearings are advertised and contiguous property owners receive notice of the hearing by mail. Meetings are held upon application.