Frequently Asked Questions

Willistown Township is divided into eleven (11) different zoning districts with nine (9) different overlays within several of the eleven (11) zoning districts. The Zoning Ordinance describes the uses permitted in each district and establishes the standards that uses must meet to be allowed in the districts. The Zoning Permit procedure is established to ensure that uses specifically proposed to be located in a particular district meet the standards for that district.

The Zoning Officer will help you determine if you need a Zoning Permit. A Zoning Permit endorsement is required before the issuance of all building permits. A separate Zoning Permit application is needed only when an existing commercial use of a structure is proposed to be changed and no building permit is involved. Examples include the change of general office to the use of a doctor’s office or the change of general office to the use of a restaurant.

The Zoning Officer checks the application and all data to see that all provisions of the Zoning Ordinance are complied with. If architectural and site plan approval is also required for the proposed use, the Zoning Permit request is referred to the Building Department for review and comment. If the Zoning Officer finds that the proposed use complies with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, the Zoning Permit will be issued and a written record maintained of the findings. If all of the provisions of the ordinance are not complied with, it will be denied and all reasons set forth in writing.