Zoning

2023 Summary of Zoning Department Activities

The following information includes year-end statistics regarding the zoning board activities, permits, and other zoning inspector activities. The zoning boards are made up of citizens selected by the Board of Trustees, and are appointed to review and make determinations or recommendations on planning and zoning matters assigned to them. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial body that hears requests for variances to the strict application of the Zoning Resolution. The BZA also hears requests for Area and Use Variances, Appeals of the Zoning Inspector’s Decisions, and Conditional Uses. The Zoning Commission provides formal recommendations to the Board of Trustees on amendments to the Zoning Resolution text and the zoning map. The board also reviews applications for Site Plan Review for commercial, non-residential, and multi-family projects. These citizens provide a valuable service to the Township by sharing their expertise and perspective.

Activity for this year was as follows:

  • The Board of Zoning Appeals took action on 20 cases.
  • The Zoning Commission took action on two site plan review applications. The two projects approved included a new Public Safety Training Building at the Auburn Career Center, and the second was for the tunnel carwash and ice cream parlor.
  • The Zoning Commission also held public hearings for three zoning amendments.

The Zoning Inspector finished the 2023 year with processing 382 zoning permit applications, which is 19 less than in 2022. Click here to see a breakdown of zoning permits by type. The average number of zoning permits processed since 2012 is 361 permits per year. The total number of new dwelling units was down from 2022. Eighty-eight (88) new dwelling units were approved in 2023, 25 less than in 2022. The average number of new dwelling units approved since 2010 is 71 per year.

Commercial construction activity compared to last year was about the same. There were two zoning permit issued for new construction. These new buildings included a new Sheetz store, Johnny’s Auto Spa and Detail, and Little Mountain Creamery.

Additionally for the year 2023 the Zoning Inspector performed 984 zoning permit inspections for properties with open zoning permits, and received 164 complaints about potential zoning violations.

Submitted by Heather Freeman, AICP, Planning & Zoning Director/Zoning Inspector