Planning commission continues broad zoning review, flags setbacks, sight lines and pedestrian safety

At the Jan. 12 meeting the West Chester Planning Commission continued a wide-ranging review of zoning and design standards, asking staff to research references and return with more detailed proposals.

Topics under review included minimum plot-size rules that may prevent commonly preferred house types, setbacks for buildings taller than 45 feet (and the possible reintroduction of street-facing setback language for the town center), and stepbacks for upper floors to improve light and street character. Commissioners noted the Indigo Hotel and other recent developments as examples prompting review of setback language.

Public-safety concerns surfaced repeatedly: commissioners said clear sight-triangle waivers are common in project reviews, and they asked whether frequent waivers indicate an ordinance mismatch with existing conditions. Several members urged the review to factor pedestrian safety and traffic-calming measures (crosswalks, curb improvements) at problem intersections such as Price Street and the Burger King-Price Street site.

Longer-term items flagged for prioritization included possible golf-course redevelopment scenarios, transfer-of-development-rights ideas, cottage housing concepts and a workforce-housing initiative linked to the local university. Commissioners also asked staff to explore the feasibility of moving overhead utilities underground and requested additional input from commission members (including Jim and Thomas) and consultants at future meetings.

Next steps: Commissioners will receive circulated materials to digest and asked for the detailed list of proposed ordinance edits and references for the next meeting, with several items scheduled for continued review in the coming months.