The process of drafting the text of the Zoning Ordinance is underway. The Work Group is examining the current definitions and will update, revise and add definitions.
The Work Group is also viewing rural-to-urban transects which is a concept that organizes a community along continuums of rural to urban characteristics. Each particular zone along the continuum has its own unique set of characteristics such as streets, building setbacks, building heights, impervious areas, pedestrian amenities, landscaping, etc. In the northeast corner of the Township where the land is zoned agricultural you would expect to see narrower roadways, larger setbacks, less impervious area, limited pedestrian amenities and natural/scenic vegetated areas and as you move closer to the more urban area, closer to the City, you would expect to see wider roads with curb, sidewalk and on-street parking, smaller setbacks, greater building heights, mixed use development, more impervious areas, pedestrian connectivity, transit stops, redevelopment and landscaping in the way of street trees.
Draft sections of the Zoning Ordinance will be posted on the Township website as they become available at www.manheimtownship.org. The project schedule, Work Group members, meeting agendas and meeting minutes can also be found on the website.
There will be discussion on the Zoning Ordinance at the March 16, 2011 Planning Commission meeting. The meeting begins at 6:30 P.M. and will be held at the Township Municipal Office. The Work Group will meet on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. at the Township Municipal Office to continue discussions on the Zoning Ordinance update.
If you cannot attend a meeting, but have a comment or question, please contact the Municipal Office at 569-6406, extension 7, or comment on-line through the Planning and Zoning Department.