Board & Commissions
Upper Pottsgrove Township
Trace Slinkerd, President, tslinkerd@uptownship.org
Hank Llewellyn, Vice President, hllewellyn@uptownship.org
Cathy Paretti, cparetti@uptownship.org
Don Read, dread@uptownship.org
Dave Waldt, dwaldt@uptownship.org
The Board of Commissioners plays the central role in township government. Section 1502 of the First Class Township Code places general supervision of township affairs in the hands of the Board of Commissioners.
Because of the commissioner’s elected status, an individual in that position is often viewed as a community leader. Commissioners are the proper recipients of complaints, ideas and suggestions concerning township affairs.
Commissioners combine many of the roles found in separate branches or levels of the state and federal governments. The Board serves as the legislative body of the township – setting policy, enacting ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets, levying taxes, formulating the budget and approving expenditures and the hiring of employees.
In many cases, the commissioner is called upon to perform as a problem solver, acting as an agent for township citizens with municipal or even outside agencies.
The commissioner has a role in representing the township’s communal interests – past, present and future.
Members
Earl Metzger, Chairman
Tyrone Parker, Secretary
Ken Reber
Richard D. Linderman., Solicitor
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings and hearings of the Commission, decide all points of order or procedure and perform any duties required by law or the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
The Secretary shall carry on at the direction of the Commission all official correspondence of the Commission, send out all notices required by law and the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, keep a record of each examination or other official action of the Commission and perform all other duties required by law or the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
The following are duties/responsibilities of the Civil Service Commission:
- The Commission may amend, revise, void or replace the Civil Service Rules and Regulations for any reason by action of a majority of the Commission at any properly convened meeting of the Commission. Before any changes to the Rules and Regulations become effective, those changes must be approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Township.
- The Commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings and records of examinations and other official actions.
- The Commission shall have the power to make investigations concerning all matters relating to the administration and enforcement of the civil service provisions of the First Class Township Code and the Rules and Regulations. The Chairperson of the Commission is authorized to administer oaths and affirmations in connection with such investigations.
- The Commission shall have the power to issue subpoenas over the signature of the Chairperson to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of records and papers pertaining to any investigation or inquiry.
- The Commission shall make an annual report to the Board of Commissioners of the Township containing a brief summary of its work during the year and a full accounting of any expenditures of public monies.
Committee Members
Greg Churach, Chairman
Charles Note, Vice Chairman
Sherry Paup
Gary Novack
Mark McKinnie
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LINKS TO RECREATION ORGANIZATIONS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS ~
Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee
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Montco Trail Challenge
May 7 – December, 2022
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Parks and Recreation Marketing and Events Internship
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Montgomery Awards Planning Advocate ~ 2018 Award Winner
The Upper Pottsgrove Township Open Space & Recreation Board, a dedicated volunteer group, received the 2018 Planning Advocate Award in recognition of its community vision, sustained commitment to conservation of natural resources, and successful open space preservation and trail development achievements. Over nearly three decades, the past and present members of the board have created an enviable record of accomplishments, furthering the vision and goals of the township.
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The Open Space & Recreation Board shall perform all the duties and may exercise all the powers conferred upon it by ordinances and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or as requested by the Board of Commissioners of Upper Pottsgrove Township.
The Open Space & Recreation Board shall, at the request of the Board of Commissioners, have the power and shall be required to:
- Prepare the open space plan for the Township, and present it for the consideration of the governing body.
- Maintain and keep on file records of its action. All records and files of the Open Space Committee shall be in the possession of the Board of Commissioners.
- Prepare and present recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on proposed ordinances, resolutions and policies that would impact on the acquisition and use of open space within the Township.
- Prepare and submit to the Board of Commissioners a recommended land and development rights acquisition program.
- Participate in, upon request of the Board of Commissioners, any negotiations for the acquisition of open space.
- Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the open space plan and planning.
- Make recommendations to the governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals.
- Hold public hearings and meetings.
- Present testimony before any board.
- Require from other departments and agencies of the municipality such available information as it relates to the work of the Open Space Committee.
- In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
- Do such other acts or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed.
Other duties include:
- Overseeing the Township’s recreation programming
- Park planning, acquisition, and development
- Community special events
The Township has seven main public parks
- Heather Place Park, which is next to the Township’s police and public works complex @ 1420 Heather Place, Pottstown, PA 19464. Heather Place Park is a classic community park, with playground equipment and a picnic pavilion. Heather Place Park may be reserved for your family’s special occasion.
- Hollenbach Park is currently a primarily passive park, with large open fields surrounding Fox Run.
- Mocharniuk Meadows is a wildflower meadow.
- Kulp Field is home to the Township’s Little League and Major League Baseball fields.
- Cherry Tree Park is dedicated open space in Cherry Tree Farms.
- Sunset Park at 1401 North Charlotte Street, upon completion, will be the southern entrance to Sprogel’s Run Trail. Sunset Park may be reserved for your family’s special occasion.
- Sussel Park is a beautiful, pristine piece of land right off of Snyder Road.
LINKS TO RECREATION ORGANIZATIONS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS
P.A.L.
Pottsgrove Baseball
Pottsgrove Rec
Pottsgrove Soccer
Pottstown Recreation
Hillside Aquatic Club
RULES AND REGULATIONS SET FOR FOR THE USE OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Animals ~
- Releasing or abandoning wild and/or domestic animals in a park or open space is prohibited.
- All animals are prohibited on sports fields whether or not on a leashor other means of control.
- No animal shall be brought into a park or open space unless it is accompanied by and under reasonable control of a handler and firmly secured by means of a collar and leashor other device so it cannot stray beyond the control of the handler.
- The handler of any animal shall immediately remove and dispose of any feces deposited by the animal in a sanitary manner.
Members of the Planning Commission
Wayne Weaver ~ President
Manny Cartagena ~ Vice President
Matt Hartzell ~ Secretary
Earl Wagner ~ Member
Chris Mullen ~ Member
MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE 1ST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ZHB #04-2025~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on May 28, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on ZHB Application #04-2025 of Mike Thorum, 14 Steinmetz Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, owner of the property located in the RO Retail Office District for a Variance from §350-20.F(2) & (4) to permit the construction of a 24’ X 32’ pole barn to be located less than 10 feet farther back from the street line than the rearmost portion of the principal building, and within the required setbacks at the Property.
At the time of the Hearing any person or parties interested will be given full opportunity to be heard. The Board reserves the right to conduct such other business as may come before it.
ZHB #03-2025~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on April 23, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #ZHB-03-2025 of MG Land Management, LLC, owner of the property located at 1587 Farmington Avenue, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, known as parcel #60-00-00625-008 in the RO and R-2 Residential Districts requesting variances from §350-19 Home Occupations, and §350-197 Uses by Right, of the Ordinance, to amend the previous zoning relief granted in relation to the operation of a landscape business and permit the construction of a 5,000 SF pole barn and associated parking area.
ZHB #02-2025~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on March 26, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on the Application of Platinum 4 Properties, LLC, owner of the property located at 212 Pine Ford Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, being parcel #60-00-02542-008, in the R-80 Residential District for a variance from §350-20.F to permit the accessory structure to be located less than 10’ farther back from the street line than the rearmost portion of the principal building.
ZHB #01-2025~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on February 26, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #ZHB-01-2025 of Collie Construction, Inc., 566 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA, equitable owner of the property located at 1563 Gilbertsville Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, known as parcel #60-00-01099-002 in the R-2 Residential District requesting a variance from §350-81.B.5 to permit the construction of a single family dwelling with attached garage which encroaches into the 40’ required setback at the property.
ZHB #06-2024 ~ Amended ~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, (“Ordinance”) of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on February 26, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Amended Application #06-2024 of Alfred & Janeen Davis, owners of the property known as 1640 Farmington Avenue, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, being parcel number 60-00-00931-008, located in the R-2 Residential District, appealing the interpretation of the Zoning Officer, as detailed in the Notice of Violation dated July 23, 2024. In the alternative, Applicants are requesting a Variance from §350-71 of the Ordinance to permit the construction of a pole building at the property within the required yard setbacks.
ZHB #07-2024 ~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on September 25, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #ZHB-07-2024 of MG Land Management, LLC, owner of the property located at 1587 Farmington Avenue, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, known as parcel #60-00-00625-008 in the RO and R-2 Residential Districts requesting variances from §350-19 Home Occupations, and §350-197 Uses by Right, of the Ordinance, to permit a landscape business with outdoor storage and less than 4 employees as a home occupation at the property.
ZHB #06-2024~ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, (“Ordinance”) of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on September 25, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #06-2024 of Alfred & Janeen Davis, owner of the property known as 1640 Farmington Avenue, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, being parcel number 60-00-00931-008, located in the R-2 Residential District appealing the interpretation of the Zoning Officer, as detailed in the Notice of Violation dated July 23, 2024. In the alternative, Applicants are requesting Variances from §350-19.4 of the Ordinance to permit the public display of goods and exterior storage of materials, and §350-19.10 of the Ordinance to permit storage of materials or refuse resulting from the operation of a home occupation at the property.
ZHB #05-2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on June 26, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on the Application of Ralph Kappenstein, 1675 Yarnall Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, owner of the property known as parcel #60-00-03281-304 in the R-1 Residential District requesting a variance from §350-20F(2) to permit a carport which is located less than 10’ farther back from the street line than the rearmost portion of the principal building at the property.
ZHB #04-2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on May 22, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on the Application of Kevin & Amy Hull, 1501 Maywood Lane, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, owners of the property known as parcel #60-00-01922-025, in the R-2 Residential District for a variance from §350-20.F to permit a 10’ X 12’ garden shed within the side yard at the property.
ZHB #03-2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on April 3, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on the Application of The SAVE Alliance Foundation dba Green Allies, 1794 Gilbertsville Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, owner of the property known as parcel #60-00-02779-005, in the R-1 Residential District for a Special Exception pursuant to §350-149D regarding a nonconforming use, a Variance from §350-149D(2) regarding physical expansion of a nonconforming use, and §350-149D(3) regarding the proposed front yard setback of 48’ from the right-of-way, to permit the construction of a 1,000 sq. ft. indoor meeting space at the property.
ZHB #02-2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on April 3, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on the Application of Fenix Capital Group, LLC, 1200 E. High St, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA, equitable owner of the property located at 1308–1320 Farmington Avenue, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, in the RO Retail Office District appealing the Zoning Officer’s denial of a Zoning Permit dated January 15, 2024, to permit the conversion of a garage & greenhouse for use as offices, and indoor dog play area at the property.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on April 3, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #01-2024 of Hometime Properties, LLC, 215 Washington Road, Bechtelsville, PA, 19505, owner of the property known as 933 N. Hanover Street, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, being parcel no. 60-00-01285-005, located in the RO-Retail Office District requesting a Variance from §350-197 to permit 2 first floor apartments at the property. At the time of the Hearing any person or parties interested will be given full opportunity to be heard. The Board reserves the right to conduct such other business as may come before it.
The Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board will hold a Public Hearing on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. The hearing is a continuation of a series of public hearings involving Artisan Construction and will be held in the Commissioners Meeting Room in the Upper Pottsgrove Township Offices, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The hearing will be held to hear the substantive validity challenge brought by Artisan Construction Group, LLC (the Applicant) to Township Ordinances 512 and 518 which, respectively, regulated and then repealed the AQ (Age Qualified) Zoning Overlay District of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance. The Applicant alleges that the challenged ordinances are arbitrary and irrational, confiscatory, and unconstitutional. The property that is the subject of the hearing is located at 1491, 1493, 1495, 1497, and 1499 Chestnut Grove Road. The applicant proposes to develop the property as an Age-Qualified Community using a combination of townhouses and single family residences.
NOTICE ~ AUGUST 23, 2023 ~ ZHB #06-2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on August 23, 2023 at 6:30 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #06-2023 of RB Ashley Customs, LLC, 1011 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA, equitable owner of the property known as 0 Gilbertsville Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, being parcel no. 60-00-01123-005, located in the R-2 Residential District requesting Variances from §350-81 to permit side yard, front yard, and rear yard setbacks to be less than what the Ordinance requires to allow the construction of a single-family residential dwelling at the property. At the time of the Hearing any person or parties interested will be given full opportunity to be heard. The Board reserves the right to conduct such other business as may come before it.
NOTICE ~ AUGUST 23, 2023 ~ ZHB #04-2023 ~ Continuance till October 25, 2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of Hearings before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on August 23, 2023 at 6:30 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #04-2023 of Carmelo Edward Piccione, Jr., 233 E. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA, 19003, owner of the property known as 0 Yarnall Road, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, being parcel #60-00-03197-001 located in the R-1 Residential District for a Special Exception pursuant to §350-18 to permit the construction of a single-family dwelling on a flag lot and a variance from §350-17 to permit direct access through an open space with a width of 35’ rather than the required width of 50’ right-of-way. (This Hearing was continued from July 18, 2023) At the time of the Hearings any person or parties interested will be given full opportunity to be heard. The Board reserves the right to conduct such other business as may come before it.
NOTICE ~ JULY 18, 2023 ~ ZHB #05-2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on July 18, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #05-2023 of Benjamin F. Cartwright, of 823 Farmington Avenue, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown, PA, owner of the property being Parcel #60-00-00691-005 located in the R-2 Residential District for a Variance from §350-79 to permit the single-family dwelling to be converted into a 2 unit dwelling. At the time of the Hearing any person or parties interested will be given full opportunity to be heard. The Board reserves the right to conduct such other business as may come before it.
NOTICE ~ JULY 18, 2023 ~ ZHB #04-2023 ****** POSTPONED TILL 8/23/2023 ****** SEE ABOVE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in accordance with §350-166 of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance of 1976, as amended, of a Hearing before the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Hearing Board on July 18, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA on Application #04-2023 of Carmelo Edward Piccione, Jr., 233 E. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA, 19003, owner of the property known as 0 Yarnall Road, Parcel #60-00-03197-001 located in the R-1 Residential District for a Special Exception pursuant to §350-18 to permit the construction of a single-family dwelling on a flag lot and a variance from §350-17 to permit direct access through an open space with a width of 35’ rather than the required width of 50’ right-of-way. At the time of the Hearing any person or parties interested will be given full opportunity to be heard. The Board reserves the right to conduct such other business as may come before it.
NOTICE ~ March 29, 2023
This Property (1491, 1493, 1495, 1497, and 1499 Chestnut Grove Road) will be the subject of a Public Hearing to be held by the UPPER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. The hearing is a continuation of the hearing held on January 18, 2023 and will be held in the Commissioners Meeting Room in the Upper Pottsgrove Township Offices, 1409 Farmington A venue, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The hearing will be held to hear the substantive validity challenge brought by Artisan Construction Group, LLC (the Applicant) to Township Ordinances 512 and 518 which, respectively, regulated and then repealed the AQ (Age Qualified) Zoning Overlay District of the Upper Pottsgrove Township Zoning Ordinance. The Applicant alleges that the challenged ordinances are arbitrary and irrational, confiscatory, and unconstitutional. A copy of the Appeal is available for inspection any weekday during regular business hours at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Municipal Office, 1409 Farmington Avenue.
Jeffrey C. Karver, Solicitor
Committee Members
John DahDah, Chairman
Robert Anthony
William Hewitt
Herbert C. Miller, Jr., Alternate
Paul Labe, Zoning Officer
Robert L. Brant, Solicitor
The Zoning Hearing Board shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to hear and render final adjudications in the following matters:
A. Appeals and Challenges
- Substantive challenges to the validity of any land use ordinance, except those brought before the Zoning Hearing Board pursuant to §§609.1 and 916.1(a)(2) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
- Challenges to the validity of a land use ordinance raising procedural questions or alleged defects in the process of enactment or adoption, which challenges shall be raised by an appeal taken within thirty (30) days after effective date of said ordinance.
- Appeals from the determination of the Zoning Officer, including, but not limited to, the granting or denial of any permit, or failure to act on the application thereof, or the issuance of any cease and desist order.
- Appeals from a determination by the Township Engineer or the Zoning Officer with reference to the administration of any floodplain or flood hazards ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance.
- Appeals from the Zoning Officer’s determination under §1702 of Part 17 of the Zoning Ordinance.
- Appeals from the determination of the Zoning Officer or Township Engineer in the administration of any land use ordinance or provisions thereof with reference to sedimentation and erosion control and storm water management insofar as the same relate to development not involving subdivision and land development.
- Applications for variances from the terms of Chapter 27 and flood hazard ordinances or such provisions within a land use ordinance, pursuant to Subsection (C) of Section 1802 of the Zoning Ordinance.
B. Variances
- To authorize, upon appeal in specific cases, such variance(s) from the terms of Chapter 27 as will not be contrary to public interest, where a literal enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 27 will result in unnecessary hardship. In granting any variance, the Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this Chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Code, as amended. The Board may, by rule, prescribe the form of application and may require preliminary application to the Zoning Officer.
C. Special Exceptions
- To hear and decide only such special exceptions to the terms of Chapter 27 upon which the Board, by the provisions of Chapter 27, is specifically authorized.
