Springfield planning commission presses ahead with draft ADU ordinance while tracking state bill

Springfield Township Planning Commission members on June 18 agreed to continue advancing a local draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance while monitoring Pennsylvania House Bill 2186. Ms. Kelly introduced the draft, and Bruce Whitesell distributed copies of HB2186 and related materials for commission review; Whitesell told members he would forward a link to a recent Cooks Creek Watershed presentation for additional context.

The commission reviewed the bill’s statutory parameters, including a maximum property setback of no more than 4 feet, a municipal limit on minimum ADU floor area of no more than 200 square feet, and a maximum ADU floor limit of 850 square feet (or the complete floor plate of an existing basement or house). The bill would also prevent municipalities from requiring replacement off-street parking if an existing garage or carport is converted and would prohibit requiring a family relationship between ADU occupants and the primary residence. Mr. Whitesell said the state language risks treating urban and rural areas the same and argued that "a 'one size does not fit all' disadvantage for rural environments" could harm townships with older housing stock.

Commissioners discussed local implications: because much of Springfield’s housing stock exceeds 50 years in age, adding ADUs could trigger Bucks County Board of Health review for septic modifications — which Mr. Whitesell observed might prompt property owners to upgrade septic systems, producing a township-wide benefit. Members noted the township’s current draft is more restrictive than HB2186 in some respects (for example, the draft includes owner-occupancy and additional off-street parking requirements). Ms. Zane asked whether drafting should pause while the state Senate considers the bill; Mr. Long urged the commission to actively compare the local draft line-by-line against HB2186 rather than wait. Ms. Kelly summarized a working consensus to continue the local effort and to schedule ADU deliberation for August 2026 meetings.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the ordinance language at this meeting but instructed members to review the distributed materials and cross-reference drafts ahead of the next round of discussion. Mr. Whitesell will forward any state updates as they arise.