Smart Growth committee advances several zoning changes for further review, asks solicitor to draft sign and sidewalk permit language

West Chester Borough’s Smart Growth Committee on Oct. 8 moved to advance multiple zoning and ordinance changes to the next review stage and asked borough staff and the solicitor to produce updated draft language.

Town Center dimensional changes

Planning Commission recommendations to the committee would set Town Center (TC) front‑yard and side‑yard minimum setbacks to 0 feet in most cases, with taller buildings that take advantage of height overlays required to step back a minimum of 10 feet to preserve light and pedestrian space. The committee signaled support for forwarding that package (agenda items C and F) to the work session for ordinance drafting and solicitor review.

Signage and HARB flexibility

The committee also discussed requested changes to the sign rules (agenda item H) so the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) can approve alternatives to the current pedestal/base material requirements (for example allowing materials other than metal or pressure‑treated wood where HARB finds an alternate appropriate). Staff asked for permission to draft substitute language that would allow HARB recommendations to guide base materials and to consider flexibility for sign square‑foot allowances on long building façades. The committee authorized staff to pursue language with the solicitor for future ordinance drafting.

Zoning hearing board attendance

Staff recommended the solicitor not attend one zoning hearing board case (740 South Matlax Street) because the issue aligns with an anticipated ordinance revision; but staff recommended solicitor attendance for a second variance…