Skippack supervisors adopt resolution asserting local zoning authority

The Skippack Township Board of Supervisors voted June 12 to adopt Resolution 20249, a formal statement opposing efforts by federal, state or county entities to unilaterally impose land uses within the township’s jurisdiction.

Board members discussed the resolution’s purpose and legal effect before the vote. Staff presented the resolution text and said it is intended to notify higher-level governments that the township intends to defend its zoning ordinances. Several supervisors expressed concern that the resolution is largely symbolic and would not alter binding law; staff and the solicitor described it as a statement of position rather than a statutory change.

The debate centered on whether a public statement was necessary when township zoning already regulates the uses cited in the resolution. One supervisor said the township’s zoning ordinance already addresses the cited concerns and cautioned the public not to overinterpret the resolution’s legal power. Another supervisor and staff emphasized that the resolution is intended to put higher authorities on notice and to preserve the township’s record of opposition to any effort to override local zoning.

After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved Resolution 20249 by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried and that there were no recorded roll-call dissenting votes. The board did not record a separate roll-call tally in the minutes for this motion.

The resolution text as discussed cites examples such as potential relocation of large-scale encampments and references pending state bills that, if enacted, could change municipal zoning authority. The board directed the township solicitor to finalize the record language and to circulate the adopted resolution.

Next steps: the board agreed the resolution will be part of the township’s record and that staff will monitor any related state or county proposals that may affect local zoning authority.