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Owner told tiny home would be treated as an RV; pole barn must meet Chanceford setback rules or seek variance
Summary
Joanne Dietrich asked the commission about siting a pole barn on a parcel that spans Chanceford and Windsor townships and about placing a wheeled tiny home. The commission said the barn must be placed behind the house in Chanceford or she can seek a Zoning Hearing Board variance; the tiny home was classified as an RV and may not be used as permanent living quarters or rented and must have a Pennsylvania registration tag.
Property owner Joanne Dietrich brought two questions to the Chanceford Planning Commission on Feb. 18: siting a pole barn on a parcel that lies partly in Chanceford and partly in Windsor Township, and placing a wheeled tiny home on the property for visiting family.
The commission advised that under Chanceford Township rules the pole barn would need to be sited behind the primary dwelling to meet the township ordinance; Dietrich can apply to the Zoning Hearing Board for a variance if that placement is not feasible. The minutes note she must also contact Windsor Township for any building placed on that township’s portion of the parcel.
Dietrich said the tiny home will be on wheels, use a composting toilet and be hooked to electric. The commission characterized the structure as a recreation vehicle (RV). Chairman John Shanbarger told Dietrich that parking a travel trailer or motor home on private property is allowed but that such vehicles may not be used as living quarters or rented out as permanent residences; he added that a Pennsylvania registration tag is required for the vehicle.
The minutes do not record any formal permit decisions or variances granted; they record guidance to the property owner and a referral to the Zoning Hearing Board or Windsor Township where applicable.
