Lower Moreland Working to Update its Zoning Code

Lower Moreland Township is in the process of updating requirements and the language of its Zoning Code.

Township planner Stephen Gabriel is the head of a special committee dedicated to making the new Zoning Code work for everyone in Lower Moreland. He said they are “fine-tuning” the current revitalization ordinance to better handle the township’s needs.

“We have a working group working on the overall zoning in the township,” Gabriel said at the Board of Commissioners work session last week. “I think you’ll find a real balance, not only with residential, but also with new business opportunities.”

Gabriel was appointed head of the committee early in 2011. He is working closely with the Board of Commissioners and members of the Zoning Board and Planning Commission to help satisfy certain parameters when new businesses wish to develop properties in the township.

“For those who have to work within the code, we need to be able to update it to reflect either current standards, or even some of the language in there,” assistant township manager Chris Hoffman said.

Last month the Greenhill Group proposed a sketch plan for . LM’s current revitalization ordinance only allows 15 units per acre for an apartment complex with no retail use. This number was “way beyond” what the township can allow, according to Gabriel. Greenhill Group has since .

“Taking a look at the zoning code, it hasn’t had a significant review in years,” Hoffman said. “At this point, I don’t know if there are any specifics (that are completed yet). We’re currently doing a review, and at the culmination of the review, we’ll make a recommendation to the Board. Any changes will be open to discussion. None of that is definite as of yet."

According to Hoffman, the township hopes to have the revised code completed sometime this year, it’s just a matter of how many questions are raised during the process.

Recently the township received a sketch plan from Congregation Beth Solomon for the redevelopment of 22 Tomlinson Road, the former Valley Swim Club. They are proposing three buildings on the 10-acre site to be used for a community center, community residential facility, and preschool through senior high school. The plan also shows a multipurpose field and playground area. The property is currently zoned Mobile Home District.

The project will be discussed at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23.