Zoning is a method of land use control whose basic objective is to achieve proper land use. The zoning ordinance specifies the types of activities permitted in various areas of the municipality, such as residential, commercial and agricultural. Chronologically, the zoning ordinance should follow development of the comprehensive plan.
One of the important goals established in the Lower Alsace Township/Mount Penn Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan is to sustain and enhance the economic vitality of the Township and the Borough while maintaining the small town character.
Lower Alsace Township together with the officials of Mount Penn Borough took very positive steps towards achieving that goal by updated of the municipal land use regulations with a Joint Zoning Ordinance in November of 2011. Working with Mount Penn Borough officials, they arranged to share land uses where they are most appropriate in each community; developed an up to date, comprehensive set of regulations that included design and performance standards which if enforced consistently, will help to enhance the quality of life in both communities for many years to come.
Lower Alsace Township secured three grants to assist with the cost of this important project from the Berks County Commissioners Conservation Zoning Incentive Program, The PA Department of Community and Economic Development Shared Municipal Services Program and from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and the William Penn Foundation in support of the Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program administered jointly by Natural Lands Trust and Schuylkill River Heritage Association. In 2013 the Township was given the Excellence in conservation Award from the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape.
The members of the Lower Alsace Township Zoning Task Force consisted of the Board of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. The Task Force while working with a Professional Planner, Jerome Skrincosky, President of Hawk Valley Associates, P.C. completed this task with the adoption of the Joint Zoning Ordinance and updated Subdivision / Land Development Ordinances.
The 2011 Joint Zoning Ordinance was adopted on November 22, 2011. The ordinance and maps are posted below for your review and convenience:
- Zoning Ordinance Table of Contents
- Zoning Article 1 – Establishment and Application
- Zoning Article 2 – Definitions
- Zoning Article 3 – Joint Zoning Map
- Zoning Article 4 – Zoning Districts
- Zoning Article 5 – Overlay Districts
- Zoning Article 6 – Supplemental Regulations
- Zoning Article 7 – General Regulations
- Zoning Article 8 – Loading and Parking
- Zoning Article 9 – Signs
- Zoning Article 10 – Nonconformities
- Zoning Article 11 – Administration
- Zoning Article 12 – Municipal Enactment
>> Click here to download a printable zoning map, updated November 22, 2011
>> Click here to download an LAT overlay map, updated November 22, 2011.
>> Click here to download an MPB overlay map, updated November 22, 2011.