Zoning
Zoning
In Pennsylvania, the authority to plan and regulate land use is delegated largely to the municipal (Borough or Township) government through the PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). A County may choose to adopt a Zoning Ordinance to cover those municipalities that do not have zoning.
Adams County has adopted a Zoning Ordinance, however it is only applied in two municipalities, Germany and Menallen Townships. All other municipalities have adopted and administer their own Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Office is contracted as the Zoning Officer for East Berlin Borough.
The information below applies only to Germany Township, Menallen Township, and East Berlin Borough. For zoning inquiries in all other municipalities, please contact the municipality. Contact information, website links, and ordinances are provided through the Municipal Contact Page.
Adams County Zoning
The Office of Planning & Development serves as the Zoning Officer in those municipalities where the Adams County Zoning Ordinance is applied. Those municipalities include: Germany Township and Menallen Township
- To confirm the zoning of a property in Germany or Menallen Townships, contact Robert Thaeler.
- Applications for zoning permits, hearings, and other zoning enforcement procedures are subject to the Adams County Zoning Ordinance fee schedule.
County Zoning Ordinance
Zoning Permits
Anyone proposing a new structure, building addition, sign, and/ or change in the use of a property in Germany Township or Menallen Township must apply for and receive an Adams County Zoning Permit.
- Adams County has contracted with Land and Sea Services to conduct zoning permitting and post-permit inspections.
- Please contact Land and Sea Services at 677-7356 for information regarding zoning permit applications and inspections.
Zoning Hearing Board
The Adams County Commissioners have appointed an Adams County Zoning Hearing Board. The Board hears requests for:
- Variances,
- Special Exceptions,
- Appeals of the Determination of the Zoning Officer,
- and other requests as authorized under the MPC.
The Board meets on an “as needed” basis following receipt of a completed Application for Hearing.
East Berlin Borough Zoning
The Office of Planning & Development currently serves as the zoning officer for East Berlin Borough through a contract with the municipality.
Applications for zoning permits, hearings, and other zoning enforcement procedures are subject to the East Berlin Borough Fee Schedule.
East Berlin Zoning Ordinance
Zoning Permits
Anyone proposing a new structure, building addition, sign, and/ or change in the use of a property in East Berlin Borough must receive a Zoning Permit.
Zoning Hearing Board
East Berlin Borough has appointed a Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code. The Zoning Hearing Boards hear requests for:
- Variances,
- Special Exceptions,
- Appeals of the Determination of the Zoning Officer,
- and other requests as authorized under the MPC.
The Board meets on an “as needed” basis following receipt of a completed Application for Hearing.