Franklin Township Beaver County
City Zoning Code

Allege that the use is covered within the definition of a permitted or conditional use already included for the zone district where he/she proposes to build, and ask the Zoning Officer for a decision that may be appealed to the Zoning Hearing Board; or

Propose an amendment to this chapter for action by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors that would add the use to those permitted by right or conditionally in the zone district where the development is proposed.

Any land annexed by the Township after the adoption of this chapter shall be placed from the date of annexation in the Agricultural/Residential Zone District.

Within 90 days after annexation, the Planning Commission shall prepare and submit to the Board of Supervisors a report of its recommendations for the most appropriate classification of the annexed land.

The Board of Supervisors shall then proceed as for any other amendment of this chapter.

Agricultural/Residential Zone. The largest area of the Township is rural: farmlands, open spaces, woods, stream valleys and scattered single-family dwellings, occasional clusters of houses and a few isolated small businesses. The Agricultural/Residential Zone covers most of the central and eastern parts of the Township and is intended to protect existing farming activity and the current rural pattern of open fields, wooded lots and homes on large lots. The Township's prime farmlands and agricultural security areas are within this zone district. Public sewers and water lines are not feasible, although water will likely be extended into the zone.

Low Density Residential Zone. The Township is essentially a community of homes. Beyond the old established residential plans, the western third of the Township has become a suburban area of evolving contemporary lot plans. Public water is available in parts of this zone district, but sewers are not. The Low Density Residential Zone includes very little prime farmland, but much easily developed land and good highway access. Single-family homes on their own lots of an acre or more should be the predominant use, but appropriate community uses, such as churches, are encouraged, as well as some farming.

Medium Density Residential Zone. The western end of the Township next to Ellwood City has been developed for a long time in a mix of uses, but predominantly single-family homes on small lots, interspersed with community uses. Both public sewer and water lines are available. This area is the logical location for plans of smaller lots dependent on public utilities and for townhouse and walk-up apartment buildings. There is available undeveloped land to the south of Route 288 to allow expansion of these kinds of uses as well as for community facilities and services. Routes 65 and 288 and retail shopping abut the area. The bulk of new residential growth in the Township should be encouraged to locate in this zone district.

Commercial, Retail, Sales and Service Zone. Several small strip commercial mails and other businesses have been built on Routs 65 and 288, designed to serve the residents of Franklin Township and the greater Ellwood City area, in proximity to the largest part of the Township's population and the heart of the highway network. The Commercial, Retail, Sales and Service Zone is intended to provide sufficient space for development and expansion of a broad array of shopping, personal services and business services uses.

Industrial Zone. The railroad line that follows Connoquenessing Creek from Zelienople and then cuts through the western end of the Township has attracted some industrial activity to Franklin Township. Proximity to industry in Ellwood City and Zelienople has also helped. To balance its tax base, the Township should welcome new job-producing small nonretail businesses in selected locations where the impact on nearby or adjacent residential development and growth will be minimal, and where good road access and, in some cases, rail access is available.

Conservation Zone. Much of the Township land abutting The Connoquenessing Creek is in the 100-year floodplain or impacted by wetlands. Development has long been present in the floodplain, mostly residential and mainly summer cottages, some of which are now permanent homes. Further development within the floodplain should occur only in accordance with the Township's floodplain management regulations.[1] Very-ow-density housing and open space activities are appropriate in this district.