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Upper Hanover supervisors ask solicitor to craft ATV zoning changes after residents speak in favor
Summary
The Board directed the township solicitor to draft amendments that would distinguish commercial high-intensity ATV/recreational operations from residential accessory use, considering minimum acreage and setbacks; residents in attendance expressed support for motocross/ATV activities with mitigation for noise and dust.
During the March 10 meeting, the Upper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors discussed zoning regulations for ATV and high-impact recreational uses after residents and Parks & Recreation commenters attended the session.
Solicitor Zachary Sivertsen reported that the board’s consensus was that backyard ATV use should only be regulated when noise and dust disturb the peace. The Board asked the solicitor to draft ordinance language to differentiate commercial, high-intensity recreational uses from residential accessory use, and to consider adding minimum acreage requirements, setbacks and clearer permitting standards. The minutes record that the Board does not want to permit commercial high-intensity recreational uses in residential districts.
Residents who spoke at the meeting told the Board they support motocross and ATV activities as a way to get youth outdoors but acknowledged community impacts that should be addressed through regulation rather than blanket prohibition. No formal vote to change the code was taken; the matter was directed back to the solicitor for drafting.
