Newtown Zoning Agenda - February 20 - 3810 West Chester Pike - 314 Summit Avenue

The Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board has two agenda items currently posted for hearing on February 20, 2014 at 7:30 PM at the Newtown Township Building.  The first item on the agenda is the rescheduled hearing for a zoning use variance for 3810 West Chester Pike.  The owner is asking for a use variance "to permit single or mixed use for the following uses:  retail store, personal services, bank and/or other similar institution, restaurant, residential, office, and accessory uses thereto". The second item on the agenda is for a property at 314 Summit Avenue.  "The applicants are requesting a Special Exception under section 172-141, side yard setback, to build an addition to permit expansion of the house."    

According to the Newtown Township Code Book posted on-line at Newtowntownship.org :

"A variance is a deviation from the use permitted in a zoning district or the dimensional requirements in a zoning district for the uses permitted therein."

"Standards of proof. The criteria required to establish the right to a variance must demonstrate that there is a hardship related to the property itself and not the personal circumstances of the owner, lessee or other party with standing to make application or appeal under the Municipalities Planning Code."

Information about Special Exceptions can also be found on-line at Newtowntownship.org under the section on Codes & Permits in the Code Book at Section 172-13: "Where an application for a special exception is made, the applicant shall have the burden of showing that the proposed use is appropriate and in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter."

Requests for zoning changes are very important, in my view, not only to those adjacent to the properties making the request. They are important to all residents of Newtown Township.  I urge all residents to attend the Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting on February 20, 2014 at the Township Building at 7:30 PM.