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Penn Township adopts comprehensive zoning rewrite after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with residents expressing concerns about rezoning and buffering, the Penn Township Board of Commissioners adopted a revised zoning ordinance, map and definitions (Ordinances 880 and 881) by a 5–0 roll-call vote on Nov. 17, 2025.
Penn Township’s Board of Commissioners on Nov. 17 adopted a comprehensive rewrite of the township zoning ordinance, the township zoning map and a new ordinance of definitions, voting 5–0 to approve Ordinances No. 880 and 881 following a public hearing that drew multiple residents’ objections.
The revision updates the township’s zoning rules originally adopted in 2004 and adjusts district lines and development standards across affected parcels. Commissioners and township staff said the rewrite aims to remove prior spot zoning and to reflect newer development patterns.
At the hearing residents objected to specific map changes and to potential commercial rezoning of properties now used as homes. “My property is changing from the Residential zone to the Commercial zone and I am afraid I will be unable to sell my house,” said Jeff Dillinger. Other attendees said they feared reduced setbacks, increased truck traffic and inadequate buffering near new solar installations.
Zoning Officer LeFevre and Solicitor David Jones responded to questions during the hearing, explaining the purpose of the map changes and the legal process for variances and appeals. Charles Suhr, counsel for Campbell’s Soup Co., asked the board to pause adoption so the company could review the drafts; the board proceeded after public comment and adopted both ordinances on a unanimous roll-call vote.
The board’s action implements the new zoning map and definitions as presented. The township posted notice of the hearing and sent notifications to affected property owners; some residents raised concerns that draft ordinance materials were not easily available online before the hearing.
The newly adopted ordinances change allowable uses, setback standards and other dimensional requirements in multiple zones; the minutes record that staff and the planning commission reviewed drafts and provided recommendations. The board left open normal administrative processes (appeals, variances) for property owners who seek exceptions under the new code.
The adoption follows outreach and review by township staff and the Penn Township Planning Commission; the ordinances were approved by roll-call vote 5–0 and will be enforced according to the schedule in the ordinance text.
