Public meeting on proposed new zoning ordinance to be held

West Penn Township’s new zoning ordinance is about to be unveiled.

The township’s planning commission will hold a public meeting on the proposed new zoning ordinance at 7 p.m. Jan. 13.

There will be an informal open house starting at 6:30 p.m.

The proposed new zoning ordinance would regulate the uses of land and structures, with various standards in different zoning districts.

It would also regulate signs, parking, the location and height of structures, and changes to existing structures, lots and uses that do not “conform” to the ordinance.

The ordinance would also include enforcement and penalty provisions.

It also includes zoning districts; allowed uses in each district; dimensional requirements for each district; additional requirements for specific uses; environmental protection; off-street parking and loading; signs; general regulations; administration and enforcement; definitions and a new zoning map.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for review at the township building during regular business hours.

Last month, then Supervisor Ted Bogosh said the West Penn Township Water Resource and Planning Steering Committee’s objective was to simplify and streamline the zoning ordinance in an effort to make it less difficult for residents to build, expand and remodel, as well as to encourage new businesses to find locations within the township more easily.