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Phoenixville Council adopts broad zoning overhaul, adds accessory dwelling standards
Summary
After a public hearing, Phoenixville Borough Council unanimously adopted a comprehensive update to Chapter 27 that revises district specifications, the zoning map, parking rules and adds accessory dwelling unit provisions.
Phoenixville Borough Council on Aug. 12 adopted a major revision to the borough zoning ordinance—repealing and replacing Chapter 27 Attachment 1 (district specifications) and adopting a revised borough zoning map.
The change, adopted following a public hearing and two-plus years of work by a task force of borough staff, planning commissioners and volunteers, updates definitions, shifts several district-specific rules into the main ordinance text, revises parking and off-street parking requirements, and adds explicit rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). "The project began in 2023, and the intent is to make the zoning ordinance generally consistent with the 2022 comprehensive plan adopted by Phoenixville Borough," borough planner Judy Stern Goldstein said during the hearing.
Why it matters: The update is aimed at aligning zoning with the borough and county plans that support adaptive reuse, transit-oriented and mixed-use redevelopment, and to clarify standards that staff and boards use when reviewing development or land‑use applications. The ordinance includes new provisions for ADUs (internal, attached additions, or detached units), clarified requirements for residential parking, and moved some previously overlooked district specifications into the ordinance body so they’re enforceable.
What council heard and decided: The hearing record included exhibits such as the redline ordinance, planning commission and county review letters, and a public workshop summary. Councilmembers praised the task force and staff; several said the ADU language will help multi‑generational households remain in the borough while retaining an owner‑occupancy requirement. A member of the public raised a concern about a provision they read as requiring a 20% dedication for properties larger than 5 acres; borough staff and the planner said they did not locate a dedication requirement in the proposed zoning ordinance and invited the speaker to provide a citation for follow-up. After public comment and council discussion, Councilmember Berkley moved adoption; the motion passed with the council voting in favor (aye) and no opposing votes.
Background and next steps: The ordinance had been advertised and sent to the Chester County Law Library and the Pottstown Mercury; the Chester County Planning Commission and the borough planning commission recommended adoption. The borough solicitor said several legal/formatting edits were made to align procedural provisions with current practice and the Municipalities Planning Code, including clarifying the zoning officer’s preliminary opinion process. Councilmembers invited any resident with lingering questions to contact borough staff for clarification.
The ordinance is now adopted and will be incorporated into the borough code; the council indicated staff will assist residents who request clarification on specific sections.
