Zoning Hearing Board

ABOUT THE ZONING HEARING BOARD

The Zoning Hearing Board is an independent branch of the local government that reviews and decides on all zoning/land use variances and special exception applications to ensure that the health, safety and welfare is not adversely impacted by potential developments within the community. 

MEETING TIME & LOCATION

The Zoning Hearing Board of Springfield Township will hear all petitions on the fourth Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Springfield Township Administration Building unless posted otherwise in advance. 

Petitions must be properly filed on the last business day of the month preceding the Zoning meeting in order to be legally posted and advertised.

ZONING HEARING BOARD MEMBERS

*It is customary for the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners to reappoint advisory board volunteers unless that volunteer expresses an interest to no longer serve on their respective advisory board. If you are interested in serving on a board with no vacancies, we encourage you to attend their meetings as a member of the general public. 

Zoning Hearing Board Application Procedures

General Information

• The Zoning Hearing Board meets on the Fourth Monday of each month.-Zoning Hearing Applications are available on our website or in our office (1510 Paper Mill Road, Wyndmoor PA, 19038) during normal business hours.
• Applications must be submitted no later than the last Friday of the month to be placed on the proceeding month's agenda. This is subject to change based on holidays and the advertising schedule.
• All applications must be submitted with a copy of the deed for the property or the lease agreement. All applications must be signed by the property owner.
• The application fee is due at the time the application is submitted.
• One copy of the deed, and six copies of the plans and photographs must be submitted with the application.
• Additional documentation may be required as needed.
• All questions may be directed to Mark A. Penecale, Director of Planning & Zoning- mpenecale@springfieldmontco.org or 215-836-7600, ext. 1114.

What to Expect at the Hearing

• Each application will be called to ensure that the applicant is present. The Zoning Hearing Board Chairperson will ask if there is anyone in opposition or in favor of the application.
• Neighboring property owners are encouraged to share their opinion on the application, whether that be in favor or opposition.
• There are Appearance Forms available at each hearing. This form should be filled out if you are opposed to an application and wish to become a "Party to the Application". Becoming a "Party to the Application" allows you to appeal the Zoning Hearing Board decision if you are not in agreement. Once the form is completed, it should be given to the Zoning Hearing Board solicitor.
• Appeals are filed at Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas and must be filed within 30 days of the date of the decision.

Once the Application has been Submitted

• The Zoning Officer will ensure that the application is complete. If additional information is required or if the application is deemed incomplete, the applicant is notified in writing. 
• The Township will prepare the legal notice and place the advertisement in the local newspaper. The legal advertisement must run two consecutive weeks prior to the hearing date.
• The Township will send a notice describing the application and the relief being requested to the surrounding property owners. This notice is sent by mail.
• The Township will post a copy of the notice on the property and within the public right-of-way at five additional locations surrounding the property. 
• A copy of the agenda and an informational packet on each application is forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board members, the Zoning Solicitor, and the Commissioner Liaison. 
• The Zoning Hearing Board agenda and a copy of each application and the accompanying plan and photographs will be posted to the Springfield Township website.

Following the Hearing

• The letter outlining the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board will be issued the day after the hearing and is posted on the Springfield Township website.
• A copy of the Zoning Hearing Board decision is mailed to the applicant and anyone that registered as a "Party to the Application".
• A copy of the transcript of the hearing may be obtained through the Zoning Hearing Board Stenographer. Contact information for the Zoning Hearing Board Stenographer may be obtained from the Zoning Officer.
• The Zoning Officer is responsible for the record of each application, and those applications remain on file within the Community Development office at the Township Administration Building. 
• Construction permits related to approved Zoning Hearing Board applications are not released until the 30-day appeal period has ended.