Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tinicum supervisors move to oppose zoning variance for proposed barn near Hollow Horn Road
Summary
The board voted to send the zoning officer and solicitor to oppose a variance (Z2026-05) that would site a stable 60 feet from a property line where 200 feet is required; supervisors argued the hardship is self-created and the applicant’s plans show compliant locations. The zoning hearing board will hear the case June 11.
Tinicum Township supervisors voted June 2 to authorize the township solicitor and zoning officer to appear before the Zoning Hearing Board and to prepare and send a letter opposing variance application Z2026-05, which would permit a proposed stable 60 feet from a property line where a 200-foot setback is required in the RA zoning district.
Supporters of the opposition argued the applicant’s own site plan identifies a cross-hatched area where the stable could be built in compliance with the code, meaning hardship is likely self‑created. Supervisors cited longstanding 200-foot setbacks intended to protect neighbors and environmental features; concerns were raised about proximity to Tinicum Creek and potential impacts on runoff and protections under subdivision and stormwater standards.
Opponents of the township position said applicants have the right to seek variances, but the board said participating at the hearing and submitting written opposition is standard practice to defend local ordinances. The motion carried; one supervisor recorded a nay. The Zoning Hearing Board is scheduled to consider the application on June 11. The township solicitor advised the board that permitting decisions and related approvals (including building permits) are still subject to compliance checks if a variance were granted.
Board members and residents also discussed whether an accessory structure should be permitted before a primary dwelling is proposed; the solicitor noted that even if a variance were granted, permits for other structures might still be constrained by building and zoning requirements.
