Warrington Township Introduces Draft of Updated Zoning Ordinance

Warrington Township has partnered with the Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC) to completely overhaul its zoning ordinance. A Zoning/SALDO (Sub-division and Land Development Ordinance) Ad Hoc Committee has been created to work towards the submission of a final proposal to the Warrington Township Board of Supervisors for consideration at a public meeting on a date to be determined within the next several weeks. The committee consists of members of the BCPC, the Township’s Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Board of Supervisors, Solicitor’s Office, and other Township staff members.

“This updated zoning ordinance is a promise kept to our residents. There will be better control of traffic and future development. This includes reducing the density permitted through the number of homes that can be built within a certain acreage, preservation and protection of our forests and stream corridors, and substantial buffer and open space requirements with new development,” said committee chair, Warrington Township Supervisor William Connolly.

Mr. Connolly further stated, “This new ordinance addresses and responds to the concerns of our residents and is consistent with the most recently adopted Comprehensive Plan.”

The updated zoning ordinance replaces an existing outdated version with a more user-friendly version and integrates modern-day concepts that will provide flexibility for our residents and business owners. Additionally, the possibility of building 4 to 5 story apartment buildings has been eliminated. Commercial districts within the 611 corridor have also been combined to simplify development and encourage better uses within that area of the Township.

Another benefit of the zoning update is that there will be less need for Township residents and business owners to submit expensive and time-consuming Zoning Hearing Board applications for some common zoning issues. Many properties that currently exceed the maximum permitted impervious surface ratios for their existing zoning district will be brought into compliance through the creation of new zoning districts and overlay districts in the new ordinance. In other words, someone may be able to build a new pool or patio under the new ordinance without having to go to the Zoning Hearing Board for relief like they may currently need to do under the existing ordinance.

For more information about the new proposed zoning ordinance, visit the Township’s website, www.warringtontownship.org and click on “Hot Topics” to view the most recent draft. In addition, residents and business owners are invited to attend the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on May 25, 2021 via Zoom to learn more about the proposed, updated zoning ordinance and ask questions.

About Warrington Township:
Warrington Township is located in central Bucks County, approximately 20 miles north of central Philadelphia. The Township encompasses 13.5 square miles, bordered on the north by New Britain, Warwick, and Doylestown Townships, on the east by Warminster Township, and on the south and west by Montgomery and Horsham Townships.

Warrington Township is an outstanding community in which to live, work, shop, learn, and recreate with many unique opportunities to enhance the quality of life for those who reside, work, or visit. The goal of the township is to responsibly manage community change and protect community character and assets; preserve the natural environment and farmland; improve mobility; provide adequate township services and public facilities efficiently and equitably; and promote the economic and social well-being of the community. The township is committed to protecting the township, improving the quality of life, sustaining its neighborhoods, and serving the health, safety and welfare of its residents and businesses. For more information, visit http://www.warringtontownship.org.