Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance can be found in the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 27.
Please call 570-829-3439 ext 4141 for further information
Public Notice:
Notice is hereby given that the Township of Plains will consider a proposed text amendment (amendment) to Chapter 27, Zoning Ordinance, of the Township of Plains, as amended. A general summary of the amendment is as follows:
Part 2, Section 202, Definitions: Addition of terms including, but not limited to, “Data Center,” “Data Center Accessory Use,” “Data Center Equipment,” “Battery Energy Storage System (BESS),” “Power Generation Facility,” “Sensitive Receptors,” and other energy- and technology-related uses, with associated definitions applicable to principal and accessory uses.
Part 5, Section 508, I-1 Industrial District: Amendments to the schedule of permitted uses to include Data Centers, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Power Generation Facilities, Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facilities, and All Other Non-Residential Uses as conditional uses, together with provisions for associated accessory uses and equipment.
Part 7, Supplemental Standards, Sections 706.1 and 706.2: Addition of supplemental development and performance standards addressing, but not limited to setbacks, landscape buffering, screening, noise and vibration, water conservation, emergency management/safety, environmental performance, lighting, parking, coordination of criteria associated with land development application processes, and application submission requirements.
Part 7, Conditional Uses, Sections 716 through 720: Addition of new provisions regulating principal and accessory uses associated with Data Center, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Power Generation Facilities, Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facilities, and All Other Non-Residential Uses, including specific dimensional, operational, environmental, safety, and development standards and requirements.
The amendment is available for in-person public inspection, without charge, during regular weekday administrative operating hours at the Plains Township Municipal Building, 126 North Main Street, Plains, PA 18705. Copies of the amendment may be obtained for the cost of photocopying.
The amendment shall be applicable and enforceable as a pending ordinance, to the extent authorized by the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, upon and after the date of first advertisement.
Public Notice:
Notice is hereby given that the Township of Plains will consider a proposed text amendment (amendment) to Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, of the Township of Plains, as amended. A general summary of the amendment is as follows:
- Amend Part 4, Section 406. Preliminary Plans-Proposed Development to:
- Add Subsection G. Geotechnical Study. Addition of requirements for study including, but not limited to, defining and outlining submission criteria associated with potentially hazardous conditions, slope stability analysis, surface features, hydrological features, groundwater measures, testing systems and infrastructure presence.
- Add Subsection H. Tree Survey. Addition of requirements for tree survey including, but not limited to, defining and outlining submission criteria associated with requirements for presenting the existing conditions, demarcation of trees on site, tree retention, planting standards and compliance requirements.
- Add Subsection I. Water Study. Addition of requirements for analysis and findings including, but not limited to, submission criteria associated with drainage facilities, watersheds, water features and floodplains, wellfield quality survey and requirements for water pollution and containment.
- Amend Part 2, Section 202. Definitions to add and/or amend terminology and definitions associated with amendments within Part 4, Section 406 Preliminary Plans-Proposed Development identified herein.
The amendment is available for in-person public inspection, without charge, during regular weekday administrative operating hours at the Plains Township Municipal Building, 126 North Main Street, Plains, PA 18705. Copies of the amendment may be obtained for the cost of photocopying.
The amendment shall be applicable and enforceable as a pending ordinance, to the extent authorized by the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, upon and after the date of first advertisement.