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Aston moves to advertise change to zoning ‘family’ definition that could limit short‑term rentals and shape group homes
Summary
The Aston Board voted to authorize the township solicitor to advertise a change to the zoning code’s definition of “family,” a forward‑looking amendment officials said would allow reasonable‑accommodation requests but could restrict future short‑term rentals and require conditional review of larger group homes.
The Aston Township Board of Commissioners on Wednesday authorized the township solicitor to advertise a proposed amendment to §12507 of the zoning ordinance to revise the definition of “family,” officials said.
The motion, made by Commissioner Barry and seconded, passed by voice vote. Town officials and staff explained the change is intended to be forward‑looking and would not alter existing, grandfathered uses. “This isn’t going to affect anything that’s here now,” an official said during public Q&A.
Officials told residents the amendment creates a formal route for people to request reasonable accommodations and gives the township authority to attach conditions when those accommodations are granted. The board and staff said the change also addresses operational concerns that arise when group homes or sober‑living residences grow in size or employ on‑site staff, producing parking and neighborhood impacts.
Board members and staff also said the revised definition would affect short‑term rental platforms: properties that do not meet the new family definition would require a discretionary review or would not be permitted as typical residential uses. “The final thing that this change in the definition of family will address is the use of short‑term rentals like an Airbnb or a VRBO in a residential neighborhood,” one official said.
The solicitor was authorized to advertise the ordinance change, a required step before public hearings and formal adoption. The Planning Commission previously reviewed related land‑use matters for other projects, and officials said any applicants seeking an exception would follow a reasonable‑accommodation process or zoning hearing if necessary.
Next steps: the solicitor will publish the proposed amendment for public comment and the board will schedule any required hearings; a specific adoption vote was not held Wednesday.
