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Cecil Township lets churches, colleges and certain schools build in SD district as a 'use by right'
Summary
The Cecil Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Jan. 5 to amend the SD (Special Development) zoning district so houses of worship, colleges and primary/secondary schools may be established as a use by right rather than by conditional use, easing occupancy permitting for existing and prospective tenants.
The Cecil Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Jan. 5 to adopt ordinance 1-2026, amending the township zoning code to allow houses of worship, colleges and primary and secondary schools as a "use by right" in the Special Development (SD) district.
Board members said the change is intended to reflect existing uses in South Point and to allow the township zoning officer to issue occupancy permits for those uses without sending applicants through a conditional-use process. "We're altering it to make it approved," one board member explained during the hearing, saying the amendment simply recognizes uses that already operate in the SD district.
The board opened the hearing to public comment. Raidon Machowski, who identified himself as pastor of a South Point church, told the supervisors he and his congregation want assurance they can continue services at 401 Technology Drive. "We're honored to be here tonight to get some assistance from you to allow us to continue to have services," Machowski said. Ron Schmidt, a long-time property owner in South Point, said allowing those uses would help fill vacant office space and bring people to local businesses.
Supporters and the board emphasized the ordinance applies only to the SD zoning district and does not broadly change review requirements for unrelated uses. Township staff and board members clarified that activities that differ from worship or educational uses — for example, a substance‑use treatment facility run out of a site — would still require separate consideration and could remain subject to conditional‑use review.
After public comment and discussion the board adopted the ordinance by voice vote. The chair called for those in favor to signify by saying "I," and members voted in favor; the motion carried.
The ordinance amends section 240-34 of the Cecil Township Code of Ordinances to add subsection G2. The board did not specify additional conditions or changes to other districts; copies of the ordinance and the finalized code amendment will be available through township records once processed.
