Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board consists of five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. All members are Township residents and serve a five-year term. A Solicitor who provides legal counsel assists the Board. By Pennsylvania Statute, the Zoning Hearing Board chooses the Solicitor, but his compensation is set and paid by the Board of Supervisors. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month and are held at the Township Building. Members are paid a fee for each meeting attended.

The Zoning Hearing Board’s purpose is to hear appeals of the Zoning Officer’s decision by interpreting the ordinance and granting relief from the literal enforcement of that ordinance in certain hardship situations. Also, it decides on applications for variances, home occupations and special exceptions. The Board schedules hearings on applications of requested appeals. It hears the evidence presented and renders decisions that contain findings of fact and conclusion of the law. Legal notices of proposed meetings are listed in the legal section of the local newspaper. Copies are also sent to the applicant and adjacent neighbors of the applicant. A notice is posted at the proposed site.