Statement of
Proposed Zoning Changes

The existing zoning ordinance in the Downtown District Redevelopment Area has seven different zoning districts:

1. Single-Family Detached Residential District (R-1A),
2. Single-Family Semi-Detached Residential District (R-2),
3. One- and Two-Family Residential District (R-3),
4. Multi-Family Residential District (R-4),
5. Central Business District (C-1),
6. General Business District (C-2), and
7. General Business and Light Industrial District (C-3).

It is the intent of this plan to be consistent with the existing and proposed zoning changes currently under development by the Borough and the Delaware County Planning Department. Based on the existing zoning and the current draft of that zoning plan (which does not change zoning boundaries), the applicable zoning for the Core District is shown in Exhibit E. There are seven zoning designations for the Downtown District. The intent of each is described below:

Single-Family Detached Residential District (R-1A): to provide locations for the development and/or redevelopment of the land for single-family detached dwellings at a density of up to approximately seven family dwelling units per acre.

Single-Family Semi-Detached Residential District (R-2): to provide locations for the development and/or redevelopment of the land for single-family semidetached dwellings at a density of up to approximately 14 family dwelling units per acre.

One- and Two-Family Residential District (R-3): to provide locations for the development and/or redevelopment of the land for single-family attached and two-family detached dwellings as provided for herein, at a density of up to approximately 21 family dwelling units per acre.

Multi-Family Residential District (R-4): to provide locations for the development and/or redevelopment of the land for low-rise multifamily dwellings (apartments), at a density of up to 22 dwelling units per acre.

Central Business District (C-1): to provide appropriate locations for the conduct of activities suitable for the small suburban central business district.

General Business District (C-2): to provide opportunities for general business uses which do not adversely affect adjacent residential areas.

General Business and Light Industrial District (C-3): to provide locations for the conduct of general business and light industrial activities, including some business activities that may be considered inappropriate in the C-1 Central Business District.

Proposed changes to the zoning ordinance are detailed below:

C-2 and C-3 zoning districts are recommended to require a minimum of 25’ setback for any building fronting on Baltimore Avenue, with landscaping fronting the building.

C-1 district is recommended to require that any building fronting Lansdowne Avenue must be built to the property line along Lansdowne Avenue frontage.

Parking requirements are recommended to be eliminated and replaced with the requirement that any new development of 10,000 SF or more provide one space per housing unit and three spaces per 1,000 SF of non-residential space.