Planning commission recommends zoning amendment to ease cluster-development lot size rules

The West Whiteland Township Planning Commission voted on June 16 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt a proposed amendment to the township Zoning Ordinance that would alter the cluster-development provisions and reduce the minimum lot size by 3,000 square feet for the design under consideration.

Chair Keith Choper said he was concerned the change could amount to spot zoning and might encourage other developers to seek variance relief. The amendment was proposed by property owner Weston Way Partners II, Inc., and was presented by Tom Kessler, Attorney Alyson Zarro and engineers Denny Howell II, PE, and Denny Howell III, PE. The applicant said the revised plan responds to Commission direction and does not increase the total number of permitted lots; rather, it reduces minimum lot area to allow for additional open space that better preserves existing woodlands and stormwater management areas.

Planning Director John Weller told the commission that the revised plan had been more favorably received by both the Planning and Historical Commissions and by the Township’s historic-preservation consultant. Mr. Weller also noted the amendment was proposed under §325-125.B of the Zoning Ordinance and that, if adopted, staff expects subsequent land-development submittals to incorporate the changed cluster provisions.

MOTION: Dan Cote moved, Todd Rouse seconded, to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding the cluster development regulations. ACTION: Passed, 3-1, with Chair Keith Choper opposing.

What happens next: the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for its consideration. If the Board revises the amendment during its review, the Planning Commission’s recommendation indicates the conditional-use plan tied to this amendment may be re-opened for further review.