Upcoming Events:
Past Events:
Issue: Preliminary Subdivision Plan - 1010 & 1020 Rock Creek Road
Event: Planning Commission
Date: 12/02/2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Bldg - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“A Preliminary Subdivision Plan, Application Number: 3919PSP, has been submitted to the Department of Building & Planning showing:
1. The re-subdivision of 1020 Rock Creek Road an existing 5.5-acre parcel into two parcels and construction of a new single-family dwelling on Lot 3.
2. 1010 Rock Creek Road (Lot 3) will contain 87,887 sq. ft. (2.01 acres) and includes the construction of a new two-story single-family detached dwelling and two-car garage with a 2,803 sq. ft. footprint, and 55,351 sq.f.t (1.27 acres) of deed restricted conservation area.
3. 1020 Rock Creek Road (Lot 4) will contain 152,105 sq. ft. (3.49 acres) and includes the existing two-story single-family detached dwelling and three-car garage with a 7,096 sq. ft. footprint, and 87,999 sq.f.t (2.01 acres) of deed restricted conservation area.
These properties were originally part of a 16.94-acre, four (4) parcel Open Space Subdivision plans which was approved 1998 which included 970, 1000, 1010 & 1020 Rock Creek Road.”
Issue: Second Stage Plan — 1533 Monk Road
Event: Planning Commission
Date: 12/02/2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Bldg - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: TBD
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“On September 24, 2024, the Building and Planning Department of Lower Merion Township received a Second Stage Plan, four (4) sets of plans, application fees and consultant’s escrow for the above referenced properties. . . . Because the subject property is listed on the Township’s Historic Resource Inventory or is located in a Historic District, the application is subject to the requirements of Subdivision and Land Development Code Section 135-16.B.17 and review by the Historical Commission (HC) or the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB). The review and recommendation of either the HC or HARB shall be obtained prior to review by the Planning Commission..”
Issue: Proposed Single-Family Residences on Monk Road
Event: Building & Planning Committee Meeting
Date: 09/11/2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Bldg - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“Consider for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners approval of a Second Stage Plan. The Plan shows the construction of a new single-family dwelling on each parcel:
• 1601 Monk Road (Lot 4) is currently an unimproved 504,004 sq. ft. parcel (11.57 acres). The lot will contain a new single-family dwelling with a 2,987 sq. ft. footprint, an attached three-car garage, and stormwater management system. The property is shown to share a driveway with Lot 5 (1611 Monk Road).
• 1611 Monk Road (Lot 5) is currently an unimproved 867,751 sq. ft. parcel (19.92 acres). The lot wil contain a new single-family dwe ling with an 8,072 sq. ft. footprint and an attached three-car garage, detached three-car garage, swimming pool with integral spa, pool house, fountain, overlook pavilion, and stormwater management system. The property is shown to share a driveway with Lot 4 (1601 Monk Road).
These parcels were created with the Open Space/Preliminary Subdivision Plan for 1543 Monk Road & 1420 Rose Glen Road, (formaly Burch Property) Gladwyne, LD # 3886 approved on June 15, 2022. A condition of this approval required each lot to receive Second Stage Plan approval.”
Issue: Proposed Subdivision of 951 Idlewild Road
Event: Planning Commission Meeting
Date: 07/22/2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Bldg - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: TBD
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“A Preliminary Subdivision Plan, Application No. 3915, showing the subdivision of 951 Idlewild Road into two lots, has been submitted to the Department of Building and Planning. The plan also shows the construction of a new single-family residence with a 4,567 square foot footprint on Lot #2, which will take access from Rock Creek Road. The existing single-family home will be maintained on Lot #1 along with the existing vehicular driveway from Idlewild Road. Lot #1 will have a 1.35-acre lot size and Lot #2 will have a 1.04-acre lot size. . . . The application has been tentatively scheduled for review by the Planning Commission on June 3, 2024.”
Issue: Proposed Beth David Preschool
Event: Board of Commissioners Meeting
Date: 07/17/2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval pursuant to Zoning Code §155-4.4.C(6). The applicant seeks to modify Zoning Hearing Board conditions of January 24, 1984, June 26, 2008, December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, to:
• Expand its existing use and add a preschool to the existing educational facilities making the property available for:
• Preschool services for up to 90 students occurring Monday - Friday.
• Student drop-offs and pick-ups are proposed limited to the hours of 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Total enrollment for all educational uses will not exceed the 280-student limit.”
Issue: Proposed Beth David Preschool
Event: Board of Commissioners Building & Planning Committee Meeting
Date: 07/10/2024
Time: 7:00 PM (approximately)
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval pursuant to Zoning Code §155-4.4.C(6). The applicant seeks to modify Zoning Hearing Board conditions of January 24, 1984, June 26, 2008, December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, to:
• Expand its existing use and add a preschool to the existing educational facilities making the property available for:
• Preschool services for up to 90 students occurring Monday - Friday.
• Student drop-offs and pick-ups are proposed limited to the hours of 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Total enrollment for all educational uses will not exceed the 280-student limit.”
Issue: Proposed Beth David Preschool
Event: Conditional Use Hearing — Day 4
Date: 05/16/2024
Time: 10:00 AM - TBD PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval pursuant to Zoning Code §155-4.4.C(6). The applicant seeks to modify Zoning Hearing Board conditions of January 24, 1984, June 26, 2008, December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, to:
• Expand its existing use and add a preschool to the existing educational facilities making the property available for:
• Preschool services for up to 90 students occurring Monday - Friday.
• Student drop-offs and pick-ups are proposed limited to the hours of 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Total enrollment for all educational uses will not exceed the 280-student limit.”
Issue: Proposed Bed & Breakfast on Monk Road
Event: Planning Commission Meeting
Date: N/A
Time: N/A
Place: N/A
Agenda: N/A
Documents: Click Here
Note: This application was withdrawn on 4/16/2024.
Township’s Summary:
“Conditional Use Application, Nos. CU# 3914C & 3913C, seeking relief from Table 7.1 Code section 155-7.1E(2) to allow parcels 1543 Monk Road and 1539 Monk Road to be used for bed and breakfast. . . . These parcels were part of a Preliminary Land Development and Subdivision Plan approval for the subdivision of four lots totaling 68.7 acres into five lots and conservation of 39 acres as preservation area at 1543 Monk Road and 1420 Rose Glen Road, Gladwyne LD#3886 on June 15, 2022.”
Issue: Proposed Single-Family Residence at 7 Woodmont Road
Event: Zoning Hearing Board Meeting
Date: 04/18/2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is requesting variances from the following code sections to construct a single-family dwelling on the property listed above:
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(A)-Minimum Lot Width of 100 feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(A)-Minimum Lot Area of 15,000 square feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(A)-Maximum Impervious Coverage of 28%
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(B)-Minimum Front Setback of 40 feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.39(C)-Minimum Side Setback of 15 feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.39(D)-Minimum Rear Setback of 25 feet
• §155-8.4(D)(2)(a)- Attached garages shall be located on the secondary façade, where feasible. If the attached garage is along the primary front façade, it shall be stepped back a minimum of 20 feet.
• §155-8.5(A)(1)- Driveways are limited to 10 feet in width from the cartway to the building setback.
• §155-7.4(B)(3)- All freestanding structures, buildings, and substantial improvements (with the exception of driveways and utilities when no other location is feasible) are prohibited on slopes of 25% or greater.
ZHB Decision: 05/16/2024
AND NOW, this 16th day of May, 2024, it is hereby RESOLVED that in uncontested Appeal No. 4593, Appaloosa Development Corporation (“Applicant”) be granted dimensional variances from the following provisions of the Zoning Code:
1. Code Ch. 155 Table 4.1.3. LDR3 Dimensional Standards A Lot Width
2. Code Ch. 155 Table 4.1.3. LDR3 Dimensional Standards A Lot Area
3. Code Ch. 155 Table 4.1.3. LDR3 Dimensional Standards A Impervious Coverage
4. Code Ch. 155 Table 4.1.3. LDR3 Dimensional Standards B Front Setback
5. Code Ch. 155 Table 4.1.3. LDR3 Dimensional Standards C Side Setback
6. Code Ch. 155 Table 4.1.3. LDR3 Dimensional Standards D Rear Setback
7. Code §155-8.4 D(2)(a) Parking Location
8. Code §155-8.5 A(1) Parking Access
9. Code §155-7.4 B(3) Steep Slope Overlay
The variances are granted based on, and conditioned on the Applicant’s substantial adherence to the testimony presented at the hearings on February 15 and April 18, 2024 and to the revised plans presented at the hearing on April 18, 2024. The variances are further conditioned on the Applicant’s compliance with all other applicable Township codes and ordinances with respect to the proposed improvements.
Issue: Proposed Beth David Preschool
Event: Conditional Use Hearing — Day 3
Date: 04/17/2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval pursuant to Zoning Code §155-4.4.C(6). The applicant seeks to modify Zoning Hearing Board conditions of January 24, 1984, June 26, 2008, December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, to:
• Expand its existing use and add a preschool to the existing educational facilities making the property available for:
• Preschool services for up to 90 students occurring Monday - Friday.
• Student drop-offs and pick-ups are proposed limited to the hours of 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Total enrollment for all educational uses will not exceed the 280-student limit.”
Issue: Proposed Beth David Preschool
Event: Conditional Use Hearing — Day 2
Date: 03/21/2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval pursuant to Zoning Code §155-4.4.C(6). The applicant seeks to modify Zoning Hearing Board conditions of January 24, 1984, June 26, 2008, December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, to:
• Expand its existing use and add a preschool to the existing educational facilities making the property available for:
• Preschool services for up to 90 students occurring Monday - Friday.
• Student drop-offs and pick-ups are proposed limited to the hours of 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Total enrollment for all educational uses will not exceed the 280-student limit.”
Issue: Proposed Beth David Preschool
Event: Conditional Use Hearing — Day 1
Date: 02/20/2024
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: TBD
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval pursuant to Zoning Code §155-4.4.C(6). The applicant seeks to modify Zoning Hearing Board conditions of January 24, 1984, June 26, 2008, December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, to:
• Expand its existing use and add a preschool to the existing educational facilities making the property available for:
• Preschool services for up to 90 students occurring Monday - Friday.
• Student drop-offs and pick-ups are proposed limited to the hours of 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Total enrollment for all educational uses will not exceed the 280-student limit.”
Issue: Proposed Single-Family Residence at 7 Woodmont Road
Event: Zoning Hearing Board Meeting
Date: 02/15/2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Township’s Summary:
“The applicant is requesting variances from the following code sections to construct a single-family dwelling on the property listed above:
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(A)-Minimum Lot Width of 100 feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(A)-Minimum Lot Area of 15,000 square feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(A)-Maximum Impervious Coverage of 28%
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.3(B)-Minimum Front Setback of 40 feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.39(C)-Minimum Side Setback of 15 feet
• §155-4.1 Table 4.1.39(D)-Minimum Rear Setback of 25 feet
• §155-8.4(D)(2)(a)- Attached garages shall be located on the secondary façade, where feasible. If the attached garage is along the primary front façade, it shall be stepped back a minimum of 20 feet.
• §155-8.5(A)(1)- Driveways are limited to 10 feet in width from the cartway to the building setback.
• §155-7.4(B)(3)- All freestanding structures, buildings, and substantial improvements (with the exception of driveways and utilities when no other location is feasible) are prohibited on slopes of 25% or greater.
Issue: Proposed Zoning Code Changes; Noise & Light Ordinance Changes
Event: Building & Planning Committee Meeting
Date: 01/10/2024
Time: 6:45 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: Click Here
Township’s Summary:
”Consider for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners authorizing the Township Secretary to advertise a public hearing and notice of intent to adopt an Ordinance to amend the Code of the Township of Lower Merion, Chapter 105, entitled Noise and Exterior Lighting, Article II, Noise, to amend the regulations for the prohibition of excessive noise, maximum permissible sound pressure levels, noise measurement locations, exemptions, and violations and penalties including but not limited to the institution of an administrative fee for a failure to comply with Article II, Noise.”
“Consider for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners authorizing the Township Secretary to advertise a public hearing and notice of intent to adopt an Ordinance to amend the Code Of The Township Of Lower Merion, Chapter 155, entitled Zoning, Article II, Definitions, § 155-2.1, Definitions Of Terms, To Revise The Definition For School And Create A Definition for Private School; Article III, General To Districts, § 155-3.4, Lot Locations, Subsection (F), To Clarify The Requirements For Setbacks For Accessory Buildings And Structures; Article III, General To Districts, § 155-3.5, Frontages, Subsection (F), To Permit Private Electric Vehicle Charging Stations In Front Yards In Residential Districts Provided They Meet the Setback Of The Underlying District; Article III, General To Districts, § 155-3.14, Service And Trash Area Standards, Subsection (A), To Clarify That The Applicable Setbacks Are The Principle Setbacks; Article V, Uses, Tables 5.1, Uses, 5.2, Uses for Institutions, And 5.3, Use Regulations, To Permit Day-Cares As A Regulated Use In the VC, TC, NC, LI, RHR, BMV, CAD, IC, And IE Districts Subject To Certain Standards To Be Provided For Therein; And Article XI, Process And Procedure, To Conform §§ 155-11.1, Zoning Administration, § 11.2, Zoning Hearing Board, And § 11.4, Zoning Enforcement, Penalties, Remedies, And Charges, To Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code.”
Issue: Proposed Zoning Code Changes
Event: Planning Commission Meeting
Date: 01/08/2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Township Administration Building - 2nd Floor Board Room
Agenda: Click Here
Documents: Click Here
Township’s Summary:
“Recommendation on the proposed ordinance to . . . amend the definition of school, add a definition of private school; Lot Occupation to amend the language for projection into reduced side or rear yard setback; Frontages for vehicular fueling devices to allow for private electric vehicle charging stations with regulations; Service and trash standards to clarify that the principal setbacks shall be met; Uses for Day-Care to amend to a regulated use with regulations in the Village Center (VC), Town Center (TC), Neighborhood Center (NC), Light Industrial (LI), Rock Hill Road (RHR), Bryn Mawr Village (BMV) and City Avenue District (CAD); Uses for Day-Care to add day-care as a regulated use with regulations in the Institutional Civic (IC) and Institutional Education (IE) District; Uses for Private School to add as a regulated use with regulations in the Institutional Civic (IC) district; and Process and Procedures for Zoning to add language to be consistent with the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code.“