Plymouth Township council authorizes advertisement for mixed-use gateway zoning district; solicitor says district will target corridors

Plymouth Township Council voted July 13, 2026 to authorize the township solicitor and staff to prepare and advertise a draft ordinance that would create a new "mixed use gateway" zoning district in the Plymouth Township zoning code.

Solicitor Clark said the motion starts the advertisement process: once the draft is advertised a copy will be made public and included in next month's meeting packet for consideration at a future public hearing and council meeting under Pennsylvania municipal procedures. "Advertise that once the advertisement is complete, a copy of the draft ordinance will be made public and will be included in next month's meeting packet for consideration," Solicitor Clark said.

During the public-comment portion of the item, resident Artis Lukens asked where the new district would apply. Solicitor Clark responded that the designation is not specific to a single parcel; rather it is intended to create a gateway zone at the intersection of significant township corridors to serve as a transitional zone where corridors enter the township.

Councilmember West (explaining process) said the authorization merely begins the ordinance advertisement and that the public will see the draft before final consideration. The council approved the motion by roll call with all voting in favor.

The authorization does not amend the zoning map today; it only directs staff and the solicitor to prepare and advertise a proposed ordinance. A future public hearing and formal action would be required to adopt the zoning change.