The Planning Department aims to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community by managing land development and subdivisions in the Township. This is primarily done through two different ways: the administration/enforcement of the Subdivision and Land Development / Zoning Ordinances, and the development/implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other long-range planning efforts. These elements combined guide coordinated development and growth; promote positive community and economic development; and enhance the Township’s high quality of life.
Planning documents are available for review on the sidebar, illustrating future community goals, as well as expectations for land use, infrastructure, trails, and parks.
Developers considering commercial or residential proposals are encouraged to reach out to the Planning Department as early as possible to begin the Township's pre-application process.
The Planning Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm in the Palmer Township Municipal Meeting Room (lower level of the Municipal Building - use westerly side entrance).
The Commission members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and include the following along with the date their term expires:
Mr. Jeff Kicska, Chair - 12/31/28
Mr. Richard Wilkins, Vice-Chair - 12/31/28
Ms. Robin Aydelotte - 12/31/26
Mr. Tom Grube, Secretary - 12/31/26
Mr. Christopher Hess - 12/31/27
Mr. Angelo Perucci III - 12/31/29
Mr. Anthony Lauro - 12/31/29
The purpose of the Planning Commission is to serve as advisors to the Board of Supervisors, providing recommendations about land use, development, and comprehensive planning for Palmer Township. As governed by the Municipalities Planning Code and Palmer Township Code 22-6, the Commission is tasked with: preparing the community’s Comprehensive Plan; reviewing and making recommendations for land development proposals, special exceptions, conditional uses, and variances; recommending amendments to land development ordinances; and studying and reporting on planning in the Township.
The Planning Commission is supported by staff from the Planning Department, the Township Engineer, and the Township Solicitor. Please send any communications for the Planning Commission to Craig Beavers, Director of Planning at cbeavers@palmertwp.com.
All meetings of the Commission are open to the public with an agenda and minutes published.
The Planning Commission issues recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on subdivision and land development plans. It also advises on zoning ordinance changes and helps shape the Township’s comprehensive plan. The Commission focuses on long-term growth and community planning.
The Zoning Hearing Board is an independent body that hears appeals, variance requests, and special exceptions. It acts like a local “court” for zoning matters, ensuring fairness and due process.
The Board of Supervisors is entitled to participate in any Zoning Hearing Board matter and advocate for an outcome. When reviewing an application, the Board decides whether it wants to remain neutral or advocate for a specific outcome, and how strongly it wishes to do so. However, the Board of Supervisors cannot unilaterally overrule or reverse a decision of the Zoning Hearing Board.
The Zoning Ordinance is the set of local rules that determine how land in the Township can be used—such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural. It helps organize growth, protect neighborhoods, and ensure that development is consistent with the community’s long-term vision.
The Township Supervisors adopt and amend zoning ordinances. The Planning Commission advises them, and the Zoning Hearing Board handles individual cases where exceptions or appeals are requested.
Zoning ordinances cannot anticipate every situation. Municipalities contain a wide variety of properties, land uses, and overlapping legal requirements, so zoning rules are necessarily general. As new land uses emerge, there will inevitably be cases where the ordinance does not fit neatly. This is why processes such as variances, special exceptions, and ordinance amendments exist—to provide flexibility and ensure fairness.
When a specific issue arises, or based on lessons learned from other municipalities, a recommendation may be made to the Board of Supervisors to amend the Zoning Ordinance. If the Board agrees that an amendment is appropriate, it directs Township staff and the solicitor to draft a proposed ordinance. The draft is then reviewed by both the Township and County Planning Commissions and returned with comments. If revisions are suggested, additional review may occur. Once finalized, the ordinance is advertised to the public prior to possible adoption.
No. Under state and federal law, a Township cannot arbitrarily exclude lawful land uses simply because they are unpopular. Zoning ordinances must allow for a reasonable range of uses, and municipalities are required to provide opportunities for all legitimate land uses somewhere within their boundaries.
Instead, the Township may regulate where and how those uses occur—through zoning districts, performance standards, and conditions designed to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Zoning is about managing land uses, not eliminating them.
No. The Township cannot require a property owner to develop land for a specific use. Zoning ordinances set forth what uses are permitted in each district, but it is up to the property owner whether to build or operate any of those uses. The Township regulates where and how uses may occur, not individual business decisions.
These are formal procedures by which the Township reviews proposals to divide land into lots or develop property for new or expanded uses. The process ensures compliance with Township ordinances and sound planning principles, balancing private development rights with public interests such as infrastructure capacity, public improvements, and environmental protection.
No. If an application fully complies with the Township’s zoning ordinance, subdivision and land development ordinance, and other applicable regulations, the Board is legally obligated to approve it.
Once an applicant demonstrates compliance, the Board cannot deny a plan based on personal preference, public opposition, or subjective judgment. Doing so would be considered arbitrary and could be overturned in court. If residents believe the ordinances are outdated or too permissive, the proper remedy is to amend the ordinances through the legislative process.
Yes. In some cases, required improvements—such as recreation land dedication, sidewalks, or utility extensions—may not be practical or may provide limited public benefit. A developer may request a waiver.
Waivers are not automatic. They must be reviewed carefully and approved by the Board of Supervisors, often with input from the Planning Commission. The goal is to avoid imposing unnecessary requirements while protecting the integrity of the development review process.
Not every construction project requires subdivision or land development approval. For individual homes, additions or renovations typically require a zoning permit and appropriate construction permits. These are handled administratively by Township staff to ensure compliance with ordinances and building codes.
Yes. Plans are reviewed during public meetings of the Planning Commission and Township Supervisors. Residents may attend, ask questions, and provide input. Public participation helps ensure development reflects community values.
Developers may appeal decisions to the courts to ensure compliance with state law and constitutional protections. Affected residents may also appeal certain decisions. Residents are advised to consult an attorney before participating in hearings or applications impacting their property rights.
