The Whitpain Township Zoning Ordinance was adopted on June 7, 1950. Since that time, it has been amended approximately 174 times.

In general terms, the Zoning Ordinance regulates:

	building height, area and location on a lot
	where certain uses may take place within the township
	the quantity, location and size of signs
	minimum lot areas for various uses
	flood plains (especially the uses permitted and prohibited within the flood plain)

Whenever a municipality enacts a zoning ordinance, they must appoint a Zoning Officer to administer and enforce the zoning ordinance. The Whitpain Township Zoning Officer is Michael McAndrew. His phone number is 610-277-2400.

Both the Zoning Map and the Flood Plain Map for the Township can be examimed during business hours. Please contact the Code Enforcement Department to arrange an appointment.

Zoning Hearing

Appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board require the filing of a Zoning Hearing Board Application which can be obtained at the Township Building. This Application along with the required supporting documents must be filed no later than the third Tuesday of the month preceding the month that one desires a hearing to be scheduled. The filing fees for the hearing are noted on the instructions and must be paid at the time of application. Upon conclusion of a zoning hearing, the Zoning Hearing Board has 45 days in which to make their decision, however some cases may require many months of hearings before the conclusion of the case and the vote of the board.

Conditional Use

The Board of Supervisors of Whitpain Township hears conditional use applications in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code and the Whitpain Township Zoning Ordinance. Applications for a conditional use hearing must be filed at least 30 days in advance of the date that one desires a hearing to be scheduled. A conditional use hearing is simply a zoning hearing before the elected body of the municipality. The hearings are advertised and conducted exactly like a zoning hearing. The difference between the two hearings is that during a conditional use hearing, the applicant is proving that he/she is going to do that which he/she is already entitled to do by law. The function of the Board is to review the evidence for compliance with the law and to stipulate any additional conditions necessary for the protection of the Township. The Board of Supervisors, without permission of the applicant otherwise, must render a decision within 45 days.

FAQ

Q:

Within which zoning district is a particular property located?

A:

Referring to the Whitpain Township Zoning Map, simply locate the property in question and look for the zoning district designation included within the boundary of this property.

Q:

Is my property located within the flood plain?

A:

Referring to the Whitpain Township Flood Plain Map, locate your property and see whether or not any portion of it falls within the flood plain boundaries shown on the map.

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