Planning - FAQs

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. They focus on long-term growth and community planning.

These are the formal procedures by which the Township reviews proposals to divide land into lots or to develop property for new or expanded uses. It ensures that projects comply with Township ordinances and sound planning principles. The process is intended to balance private development rights with public interests such as infrastructure capacity, public improvements, and environmental protection.

With some variation based on the complexity of the project, most projects will follow these stages:

1. Sketch Plan (optional): A preliminary concept submitted for informal feedback.
2. Preliminary Plan: A detailed proposal showing lot layouts, roads, stormwater facilities, and other infrastructure. Reviewed by the Planning Commission and Township staff but approved or denied by the Board of Supervisors.
3. Final Plan: A refined version incorporating feedback from preliminary plan.
4. Recording: Once approved and compliance with all Township ordinances is verified, the plan is recorded with the County, making it legally enforceable.

With some variation based on the complexity of the project, most projects will follow these stages:

1. Township Staff and Consultants: Checks compliance with ordinances and technical standards.
2. Planning Commission: Advises on planning consistency and recommends approval or denial.
3. Township Supervisors: Make the final decision on approval.
4. County Planning Agency: Provides advisory comments under state law.

No. The Board of Supervisors must act within the limits of the law. 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.

Township ordinances function like a rulebook: once an applicant demonstrates compliance with those rules, the Board cannot deny the plan based on personal preference, public opposition, or subjective judgment. To do so would be considered "arbitrary and capricious" and could be overturned in court.

The Board's role is to ensure that applications are reviewed fairly and consistently under the ordinances. If residents believe the ordinances themselves are too permissive or outdated, the proper remedy is to amend the ordinances through the legislative process-not to deny a compliant application.

Yes. Sometimes the improvements required by the ordinance-such as recreation land dedication, sidewalks, or utility extensions—may not be practical or may provide little public benefit in a specific situation. In those cases, a developer can request a waiver.

The Township may grant a waiver if strict compliance with the ordinance is unnecessary, would create undue hardship, or does not meaningfully advance public health, safety, or welfare. 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 requirements that do not serve the community’s interests, while still protecting the integrity of the development review process.

Not every construction project requires subdivision or land development approval. For individual homes, such as new additions or renovations, property owners typically need only a zoning permit and the appropriate construction permits. These applications are handled through an administrative review by Township staff, who ensure the project complies with all relevant ordinances and building codes.

Yes. Plans are reviewed in public meetings of the Planning Commission and Township Supervisors. Residents may attend, ask questions, and provide input. Public participation helps ensure that development reflects community values.

Developers may appeal decisions to the courts. This ensures that Township actions comply with state law and constitutional protections. Affected residents may also appeal the Township’s decisions in certain circumstances. Residents are advised to consult with an attorney before any hearing or application impacting their properties to be sure their rights are protected.

Applications must be hand-delivered to the Plumstead Municipal Office. No applications will be accepted by mail. Mailed applications, complete or incomplete, will be returned to the applicant. This also applies to revised plans and other revised application materials.

Applications must be hand-delivered to the Plumstead Municipal Office. No applications will be accepted by mail. Mailed applications, complete or incomplete, will be returned to the applicant. This also applies to revised plans and other revised application materials.

All bold-faced items listed on the Subdivision and Land Development application checklist (attached to the application) must be included in the submission or the application is considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

In addition, all new applications must be accompanied by an executed professional services agreement along with all required fees and escrow. The Plumstead Township Fee Schedule is available by clicking here or at the Township municipal building.

Applications will be reviewed at the second Planning Commission meeting following submission. Therefore, if an application is submitted on the last Friday in September, it will be accepted for review by the Planning Commission in October and reviewed in November.

All applications must be reviewed by the Township within 90 days of the first Planning Commission meeting following submission. If the first scheduled meeting following submission is cancelled, then the application must be reviewed within 120 days of submission.

Resubmissions will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be placed on the next possible Planning Commission meeting agenda. The next possible Planning Commission meeting may not be the next Planning Commission meeting due to a full agenda or insufficient review time.