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Cecil Township adopts ordinance to make churches and schools a use by right in South Point special-development zone
Summary
The Cecil Township Board of Supervisors on Jan. 5 adopted Ordinance No. 1, 2026 to reclassify houses of worship, colleges and primary/secondary schools as uses by right in the SD special development district, a change board members said will allow zoning staff to issue occupancy permits without conditional-use hearings.
Cecil Township on Monday adopted Ordinance No. 1, 2026 to amend the township zoning code so that houses of worship, colleges and primary and secondary schools are permitted "uses by right" in the SD special development district. The board approved the measure after a public hearing and brief discussion.
Supporters told the board the change would help existing tenants and encourage new uses in South Point. "We're honored to be here tonight to get some assistance from you to allow us to continue to have services in 401 Technology Drive," said Pastor Raidon Machowski, who identified himself as pastor at a South Point church. Property owner Ron Schmidt said permitting churches and similar uses would draw people to local amenities and help fill vacant office space.
Board members said the amendment primarily codifies what already occurs: numerous schools and houses of worship operate in the SD district as tenants in existing buildings. One board member explained that because some uses are not explicitly listed in the code, the zoning officer cannot issue occupancy permits; the ordinance allows the zoning officer to do so for the categories listed in subsection G2.
The board addressed a public concern raised during the hearing about whether the change would allow unrelated uses — for example, running a residential rehabilitation facility out of a church. Officials clarified that such a facility would be a distinct use and would still require conditional-use review; the ordinance applies only to the specific categories enumerated (houses of worship, colleges, primary and secondary schools, and trade/business schools).
After closing the hearing, supervisors moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion carried following voice votes at the meeting.
The ordinance text as presented amends Section 240-34 of the Cecil Township Code to add subsection G2, provides standard severability language and an effective date; the ordinance was adopted on Jan. 5, 2026. The township manager and staff will implement the change through the zoning and occupancy-permit process.
