Zoning applications are required when you wish to begin new construction, alter a building, erect a new building, or add a structure to your property including a pool, solar panels, an exterior generator, shed, signs, and additional structures for both residential and commercial use. Zoning tells us what can be built/added and exactly where it can or cannot be added within the property boundaries, according to setbacks prescribed in the ordinance.
New businesses are also regulated by zoning and must conform to the allowable uses in their district.
Greene Township Zoning Officer is Owen Pella, Pella Consulting. Click here to contact him.
Agricultural buildings require a zoning permit and must clearly indicate the intended use of the structure. AG buildings, so long as they comply with the description under the PA Code, are not subject to the PA Uniform Construction Code and, therefore, do not require a building/construction application.
The Zoning Officer reviews all applications for compliance with what is permitted in your zoning district. This is often called “use by right”. The ZO will ensure that it is allowable inform you of height and location requirements (also known as setbacks).
Payment must accompany the zoning application. We accept cash or check. All permits should be mailed to:
Greene Township, PO Box 181, Hookstown, PA 15050
VARIANCE – Requires Zoning Hearing Approval
Occasionally a property owner wishes to build a structure closer to the property setbacks than what is permitted. Or maybe they would like to open a business of a type that is not permitted in their zoning district. For those reasons, the township has a Zoning Hearing Board. There are provisions in place that allow relief through a variance and could authorize a property owner to use his land for something that may not otherwise be allowed because of location, size, shape or other attribute of the property. A Variance Application is required, along with the applicable zoning hearing fee. Only the Zoning Hearing Board may grant a variance to a property owner after holding a public hearing.
CONDITIONAL USE – Requires Supervisor Hearing Approval
A conditional use is when a particular use is permitted in a specific zoning district, but the applicant must first apply to the board of supervisors and go through a hearing process before approval is granted (Column 2 of the Permitted Zoning Use Chart). The board may attach reasonable conditions to the approved application and may only reject the application if it does not meet the criteria in the zoning ordinance. This process is governed by the PA Municipalities Planning Code. The application can be found here along with the conditional use timeline. A conditional use hearing fee applies.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION – Requires Zoning Hearing Approval
Similar to a conditional use, a Special Exception is when a particular use is permitted (Column 3 of of the Permitted Zoning Use Chart) but the applicant must first ask the zoning hearing board for approval and go through a hearing process. The zoning hearing board may attach reasonable conditions to an approved application along with the proper fee. The board may only reject the proposed use if the applicant does not meet the criteria in the zoning ordinance. This process is governed by the PA Municipalities Planning Code.