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West Chester council adopts ordinance clarifying how to calculate building height in zoning and subdivision codes
Summary
Borough council voted to approve an ordinance amending Chapters 97 and 112 of the borough code to add definitions and diagrams for calculating grade plane and building/structure height and to update submission requirements for development plans.
The Borough of West Chester Council on Feb. 19 approved an ordinance amending two borough codes to clarify how building and structure height are measured and documented.
The ordinance changes language in Chapter 97 (Subdivision and Land Development) and Chapter 112 (Zoning) to repeal and replace existing definitions with new definitions for “height of building or structure,” “grade plane” and “finished grade.” The amendments also add attachments illustrating the method for calculating grade plane and height and add documentation requirements for development-plan submissions so borough staff can verify applicants’ height calculations.
Ms. Camp, who presented the ordinance at the public hearing, said the changes grew out of work by the borough planning commission after uncertainty surfaced during review of the 410 South High Street apartment application. “This is an amendment to both your subdivision land development ordinance and your zoning ordinance, because they both address how to calculate building height,” she said. Camp said the draft incorporated input from the borough planner, “Mr. Kamida,” several architects on the planning commission and the Chester County Planning Commission. She noted the process included multiple iterations and that the final draft was reviewed by the planning commission on Feb. 19 and by Chester County staff (last review letter dated Jan. 7, 2025).
Council members moved and seconded approval of the ordinance “as is.” The council then called the question and recorded affirmative votes from members present. The motion passed.
The ordinance amends definitions used across the borough code and adds illustrative attachments to Appendix D and Appendix E for measurement methodology. The amendments also specify what supporting materials applicants must submit to demonstrate the correct height calculation when filing development plans.
Council President Metrick called for the vote after asking for public comment; none was offered on the ordinance at the hearing. The ordinance follows the planning commission’s initiation and the procedural notices the solicitor said were advertised in the Daily Local News on Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 and sent to the county law library on Jan. 31.
Council members did not discuss changes to enforcement timing or retroactive application at the hearing; the ordinance text, attachments and any effective date were included in the advertised materials and are part of the municipal record.
