WILLISTOWN TWP, PA — Willistown Township supervisors will consider changes to residential stormwater regulations on November 9 that would exempt certain smaller construction projects and in-place replacements from stormwater management planning requirements, potentially affecting homeowners undertaking additions, driveway replacements and other property improvements.
The proposed ordinance would exempt projects that increase impervious surface by no more than 800 square feet, with the threshold calculated cumulatively from December 16, 2013.
Impervious surfaces, including roofs, driveways and paved areas, prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground and can increase runoff entering nearby properties, drainage systems and waterways.
Under the proposal, homeowners could qualify for the exemption only while their cumulative increase in impervious surface remains within the 800-square-foot limit.
Once successive improvements exceed that threshold, stormwater planning requirements would apply to the total regulated impervious area rather than only the portion exceeding 800 square feet.
The cumulative calculation would prevent property owners from treating multiple smaller projects as separate exemptions when their combined impact exceeds the township’s limit.
The ordinance would also establish exemptions for replacing existing one- or two-family dwellings in precisely the same location and footprint.
Similar exemptions would apply to the in-place replacement of other residential impervious surfaces, potentially allowing homeowners to replace existing driveways and comparable improvements without triggering additional stormwater planning requirements when the location and footprint remain unchanged.
The proposal would also revise the township’s definition of redevelopment.
Under the revised definition, redevelopment would include reconstruction or replacement involving at least 50% of a principal building’s footprint or all existing impervious surface on a property.
These definitions would help determine which residential improvements are subject to the township’s stormwater management regulations.
The proposed changes would amend Chapter 73 of the Willistown Township Code, which governs environmental protection.
Specifically, the ordinance would revise definitions in Section 73-4 and modify exemptions under Section 73-36.G, addressing regulated impervious surfaces and improvements that qualify for relief from stormwater management planning.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, November 9, in the Willistown Township Meeting Room, 688 Sugartown Road, Malvern.
Residents and other interested parties will have an opportunity to comment before supervisors consider whether to adopt, amend or defer the ordinance.
The amendments have not yet been enacted. If approved, the ordinance would take effect immediately.
The complete proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at the township offices, 688 Sugartown Road, during regular business hours. Copies may be obtained for a charge not exceeding the cost of reproduction.
Individuals requiring accommodations to attend or participate in the hearing may contact Township Secretary Shanna Lodge at 610-647-5300.
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