West Goshen Township is overhauling its zoning ordinance for the first time in more than 50 years, and the proposed rewrite is now posted online for public review.
The Board of Supervisors authorized the draft ordinance for advertisement and public comment at its June 16 meeting, opening a window for residents to weigh in before a formal adoption hearing. The proposed ordinance and updated zoning map were posted to the township website June 29. No date for the adoption hearing has been announced.
The township's current zoning code dates to 1972. While it has been amended many times, the township determined a ground-up rewrite was needed to address modern land-use issues. The Board awarded a contract to Gilmore & Associates in April 2024 to lead the effort.
The 18-month process tackles zoning district consolidation, short-term rental regulations, sidewalk and lighting standards, landscaping requirements, student housing rules and affordable housing provisions, according to township communications. Redevelopment standards and the overall format of the ordinance are also being reworked.
A five-member Land Planning Committee, made up of three Planning Commission members and two supervisors, reviewed the township's various uses and districts before recommending updates. The Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint meeting on Jan. 28 to discuss the draft and next steps.
Township Manager Christopher Bashore said in a June 18 notice that the Board outlined changes to the proposed zoning ordinance and authorized it for advertisement, with staff and consultants working to incorporate those revisions before posting the document.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed ordinance at its July 14 meeting. The draft is also under review by the Chester County Planning Commission, a standard step before local adoption.
The proposed ordinance and zoning map are available for download at westgoshen.org. Residents with questions can reach Bashore at [email protected] or 610-696-5266, ext. 4126. The township municipal building is at 1025 Paoli Pike, West Chester.
The Board of Supervisors will announce a public hearing date on the township website and social media.
