Zoning Hearings
Zoning Hearing Board
The Milford Township Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) is comprised of three (3) members and two (2) alternate members appointed by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) for staggered three (3) year terms.
The ZHB hears appeals related to the Milford Township Zoning Ordinance. These zoning regulations are intended to protect the environment, owners’ property and neighbors from impacts associated with the use of land. Milford Township has adopted a zoning ordinance that regulates the minimum size of lots, size of yards, amount open space, height of buildings, percentage of a lot that may be covered with impervious surfaces, general location and use of buildings and the appropriate locations for trade, industry, and residences through the creation of zoning districts. The zoning ordinance also provides for the administration, enforcement and amendment of the ordinance in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
Zoning regulations can’t foresee all possible circumstances and it is the job of the ZHB to hear specific appeals where the ordinance may deny reasonable use of a property or where an owner wants to do something not otherwise permitted. The three basic function of the ZHB are to hear appeals of the Zoning Officer’s decisions, requests for variances from the literal provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, and requests for special exceptions as provided for in the ordinance. The ZHB is a “quasi-judicial” body and may not make or modify zoning policy. Decisions of the ZHB cannot be overruled by the BOS. However, both the applicant and the BOS have the right to appeal the decision of the ZHB to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.
The Township employs a full-time Code Enforcement / Zoning Officer to interpret and enforce the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
General Hearing Schedule: 2nd Tuesday of each month if needed, 7:00 p.m.