Frequently Asked Questions

The Zoning Ordinance establishes what activities are permitted in the Township as well as how buildings are placed on the land. Since not all activities are appropriate in all areas, the Ordinance divides the Township into zoning districts. There are currently nine different kinds of zoning districts in the Township: four for different densities of residential use; one that allows for a mix of compatible uses, including residential, commercial, and office uses; one for small-scale commercial use; one for office buildings and office parks; and two for different kinds of industrial uses. For each district, the Ordinance specifies what uses are permitted as well as how large the lots must be, the minimum distance required between buildings and the property lines, how much of the property must remain unbuilt and unpaved, and how tall buildings may be. Our Zoning Ordinance also includes extensive provisions for the protection and preservation of our historic resources.

In Pennsylvania, the Zoning Officer only has the authority to enforce the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance; they do not have the authority to grant any relief from those provisions. If you are in a situation where, for example, your property is so narrow that you can’t build an addition on the side of your house that will still provide for the minimum distance required between the house and the property line, you will need to apply for a “variance.” In West Whiteland, the variance process includes an informal presentation to the Board of Supervisors followed by a formal hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board. The Zoning Hearing Board makes the ultimate decision on whether or not to grant a request for a variance. The process is explained fully in the Zoning Ordinance. If you are considering applying for a variance, you may wish to discuss it with the Zoning Officer to be sure of how your particular circumstances may affect the process.

A subdivision occurs any time that land is divided into two or more properties. Any change in a lot line is also considered a subdivision. The process for making a subdivision is described in the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

A subdivision is one kind of land development. Most kinds of construction are considered land development, and must be approved by the process provided for in the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Significantly, the construction of a single house on an existing lot, the construction of an addition to an existing house, and the construction of an accessory structure (such as a garden shed, detached garage, or swimming pool) on a residential lot are not considered types of land development, so these activities are exempt from this process.

That depends on exactly what you’re doing. Even if you don’t need land development approval, all construction activities, including do-it-yourself projects, will require a Building Permit and a Zoning Permit. It’s best to contact the Township office for complete information. Few homeowner projects require permits issued by the Planning and Zoning Department (other than the Zoning Permit); most require permits from the Permits and Inspections Department.