Zoning changes approved in Carroll Township

They were prompted by a construction controversy in the township’s Irey Plan.

Zoning changes were made official Tuesday in Carroll Township.

Last month, a public hearing was held to gather public comments on a proposed amendment to current zoning requirements. A few residents offered questions during the hearing, but most people who spoke supported the changes as presented.

No residents attended Tuesday’s meeting to further discuss it.

The proposed change applies to Section 260-99 of the code, which is relevant to zoning permits.

Supervisors decided to amend the ordinance — specifically regarding the permitting process and setback requirements — after two homes that were being built in the Irey Plan ended up not falling within setback guidelines after construction had started.

Construction has stopped at the homes after a variance request was denied by the township zoning board in January. It’s unclear what will happen with the properties as the decision has been appealed in Washington County Court.

Regardless of the outcome with those homes, the proposed amendment has been advertised and approved.

The code formerly stated that “there shall be submitted with all applications for zoning permits, two copies of a layout or plot plan drawn to scale showing the actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon, the exact size, location and height of the building and accessory buildings to be erected, and other such information as may be deemed necessary by the zoning officer to determine and provide for the enforcement of this chapter.”

The amendment makes requirements for permits more specific.

Section 260-99B now states that “all applications for any type of proposed primary or accessory use that incorporates a fixed/permanent foundation or slab and is permitted by right, shall be submitted to the Township, along with a plot plan, prepared by a surveyor registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

The plans submitted must include:

• Lot or boundaries and dimensions.

• Total square feet and/or acreage.

• Location of all existing and proposed structures.

• Building setback lines and yard lines.

• Adjacent street right-of-way lines, all easements for utilities, public improvements, drainage and stormwater management.

• Driveway and parking area along with a highway occupancy permit if on a state road.

• Location and height of proposed fences or walls.

• Stormwater management and sump location( s) if required.

• Proposed sanitary sewer connection or septic system location (and alternate location), along with the appropriate permit and well location, if needed.

It also stipulates that building setback lines be physically staked for the duration of the project or until permission to remove is granted by the zoning officer in writing, and that all proposals for modifications to, alterations to or piping of a watercourse may require a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. If required, the applicants have to submit permits to the township prior to any construction of proposed improvements.

There is one exception. The amendment stipulates that survey and staking requirements on proposed structures on a lot two acres or greater can be waived upon review of the plot plan and subject to the determination of the zoning officer.

The ordinance granting the amendment has been accepted by the Washington County Planning Commission and was approved unanimously by supervisors Tuesday.

Building permits are expected to pick up as spring gets into full swing.

Zoning Officer Jordan Cooper said four permits were submitted to his office this week.

One was granted to Giant Eagle in Fisher Heights for the replacement of its sign.

Ringgold High School was issued a permit to make changes to its grandstands to make them ADA accessible.

Other permits were for small projects at residential properties.

“We’ve been issuing more permits and we expect it’s about to explode with spring coming,” Cooper said.

In other business, supervisors announced that brush pick-up began this week. Residents can collect brush and branches from their properties and place it along the curb.

The township’s road crew will stop by to collect and dispose of it.

May’s meeting will be held on the first Wednesday of the month instead of the first Tuesday.