Zoning - About Us

The Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance is a detailed document that addresses most matters related to Zoning Districts, Permitted Uses and Structures in the Township. The Ordinance is revised periodically to address changing Township demographics, evolving / new uses and to be in conjunction with the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Township Comprehensive Plan.

After reviewing the Ordinance, if you cannot find the information you need, please contact the Zoning Officer with your specific questions. The more information you supply such as the property address, type of use or structure you wish to build, the quicker we will be able to assist you.

The Zoning Ordinance is a general guide and there are some items that may not have been included. It is the role of the Zoning Officer to interpret the ordinance and grant or deny a project or a use based on comparable situations, structures or uses that are currently listed. If a property owner objects to a denial of approval of a use or permit, they can appeal the Zoning Officer's decision to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Not all issues, especially those related to boundary lines and private property, are within the jurisdiction of the Zoning Officer and the Township. Some of these matters are private civil matters that must be addressed through the legal system.

The Hanover Township Zoning Hearing Board is created to hear appeals for relief from the requirements of the Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance. This is the only Board that can grant relief from the Zoning Ordinance.

Examples of the types of issues that come before the Zoning Hearing Board would include setback variances, sign variances, parking, an interpretation of the type of business that would be allowed to be conducted on a premise, etc.

Each member of the Board serves a three year term. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month (except for holidays) beginning at 7:00 p.m. For fees and application please go to the forms and documents section which can be found on the upper left of this page.