Commission backs recommending impervious‑cover amendment that caps builder permits at 85%

Staff presented a proposed amendment to the township zoning ordinance that would eliminate the impervious‑cover table in section 180‑127.3 and return to per‑zoning‑district impervious limits, while inserting a provision that initial building permits filed by builders be limited to 85% of the zoning district maximum so future homeowners retain development flexibility.

Commissioners discussed complications and objections raised by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), including LVPC’s point that different standards for builders and homeowners could be inequitable. Commissioners traded options including treating principal dwelling coverage separately from accessory uses (pool, deck, driveway) so the 85% cap would apply to dwelling coverage and leave a separate accessory allowance. Chris Nagy and others said the intent is to prevent large builders from consuming all allowable impervious coverage and forcing future homeowners to seek variances.

During discussion commissioners asked for clarifying language to handle borderline cases (for instance, a family member building a house for an intended occupant) and for guidance on nonconforming lots. The commission voted by voice to move forward with a recommendation to township council that the ordinance incorporate separate allowances for principal uses and accessory uses so the 85% builder cap achieves the intended homeowner flexibility.