Zoning: Definition and Purposes

Zoning consists of dividing the community into districts (Residential - Commercial - Industrial) and regulating within such districts the permitted uses of land, lot sizes, density, yard requirements, building heights, parking, accessory uses and buildings, and other requirements. Its primary purpose is to conserve and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the community by fixing reasonable standards to which buildings must conform.

The Importance of Zoning

Zoning plays a major role in not only the development of new subdivisions, but more importantly, in the preservation of existing neighborhoods. After a subdivision is complete and the homes are occupied, changes begin to occur; fences are installed, driveways are widened, swimming pools and decks are constructed and room additions are built. Over a period of time, the character of the subdivision begins to change, and if left uncontrolled, deterioration of the neighborhood will result. Zoning regulations serve to control these changes in response to the individual and collective needs of the community.

The Homeowners Role in Zoning

Effective zoning depends on the support of the citizens of the community and an understanding of the local zoning regulations. While many will resist zoning on the basis that it restricts what is allowed on private property, few will fail to recognize that zoning is essentially important to the quality of the community.

A copy of the entire Zoning Ordinance, text and map is available for review at the Civic Center or can be obtained from the Glenside Library. The text is also available on this website, click here.

Click here to download the Zoning Map (pdf).