Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Accessory Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs amendment to limit residential accessory buildings in commercial districts
Summary
The commission recommended an amendment to chapter 450 to require covenants and clarify use for residential accessory structures in commercial/industrial districts to prevent later commercial conversion; the motion carried after discussion about wording and enforcement.
The West Rockhill Township Planning Commission recommended supervisors approve a narrow amendment to the zoning code (chapter 450) addressing residential accessory structures located in commercial and industrial districts.
Commissioners said the amendment is intended to prevent situations in which a structure built as a residential accessory (for storage, a garage, or similar personal use) is later used for commercial activities without undergoing land-development review. The amendment would require a covenant that binds the property to residential accessory use; if a use converts to commercial, the commission said, the property owner would be required to seek the appropriate land-development approvals.
Discussion focused on clarity for lay readers and on how the change will be enforced. Commissioners suggested changing the ordinance title language from "unlawful uses" to "non-residential uses" to make the purpose clearer. Staff explained the title change affects only the caption; the operative change will appear in subsection 450.604 (accessory residential structures).
Outcome: commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation supporting the accessory-structure amendment; the motion carried.
