Boards & Commissions

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board is a three member volunteer board appointed by the Board of Supervisors of the Township and they have one alternate. The Zoning Hearing Board, as provided by the Municipalities Planning Code of Pennsylvania, are empowered with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide the following:

1. substantive challenges to the validity of any land use ordinance, except curative amendments;
2. procedural challenges to a land use ordinance;
3. appeals from the determination of the zoning officer, including, but not limited to the following:
   1. the granting or denial of any permit, or failure to act on the application,
      1. the issuance of any cease and desist order or,
      2. b. the registration or refusal to register any nonconforming use, structure or lot;
4. appeals from a determination by the municipal engineer or zoning officer with respect to the administration of any flood plain or flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance;
5. applications for variances;
6. applications for special exceptions;
7. appeals from the determination of any officer or agency charged with the administration of any transfers of development rights or performance density provisions of the zoning ordinance;
8. appeals from the zoning officer’s determination for a preliminary opinion under MPG Section 916.2;
9. appeals from the determination of the zoning officer or municipal engineer in the administration of any land use ordinance or provision with reference to sedimentation and erosion control or storm water management insofar as the same relates to development not involving Article V (subdivision or land development) or VII (planned residential development) applications. In other words, appeals from erosion or storm water provisions under a zoning ordinance dealing with building on a single lot.

The Zoning Hearing Board meets on an as needed basis to hear applicants.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is a nine member volunteer committee appointed by the Board. The Planning Commission is responsible for the review of land developments, subdivisions and conditional use applications in the Township. Based on the review of these applications, they make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. They are also empowered to review Township Zoning, Subdivision, Land Development and Building Code ordinances and make recommendations to the Board on these issues. The Planning Commission meets on a monthly basis to hold public meetings to review applications and discuss ongoing issues. The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of every month.

Environmental Advisory Council

The EAC is a seven member volunteer council appointed by the Board of Supervisors. They are responsible for undertaking such environmental tasks as requested by the Board for the promotion and conservation of the natural and historic resources of the Township and for the protection and improvements to the quality of the environment within the Township. The EAC meets on an as needed basis.

• Invasive Plants May 2017
• Sustainability Tips January 2017

Agricultural Security Area Advisory

The Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee is a five member volunteer committee comprised of three farmers, one resident from the designated Agricultural Security Area and one member of the Board of Supervisors. The Agricultural Security Area in Towamencin Township was established jointly with Lower Salford and Skippack Townships totaling more than 1,082 acres. The area was established in accordance with Pennsylvania Agricultural Security Area Law (Act 43 of 1981 as amended 1988). The area provides protection to farmers from reasonable restrictions on farm structures and practices and discourages the condemnation of farmland by eminent domain. The committee meets as needed to review applications by property owners to be included in the Agricultural Security Area.

Economic Development Committee

The committee is charged with determining ways to make the Township more “business friendly” in order to both retain and attract new businesses, particularly with the hope of filling retail vacancies in the Township. Efforts will be made to increase and improve communication between the Township and both businesses and residents. Members will meet monthly and information on the committee’s efforts will be forthcoming. For comments or to volunteer services, please contact the Township Manager.

Emergency Operations Committee

The Emergency Operations Committee was formed in May 2009 in response to increasing National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements being leveled on the local level of government. The committee acts as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on matters related to the staffing, provisioning, set-up, and operation of the Emergency Operations Center.  Committee members will be called on to staff Emergency Operations Center (EOC) positions when the EOC is activated. The committee will also provide input and review to Township Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) updates and updates to the Notification and Resource Manual (NARM).  The EOC meets on an as needed basis.

Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee

The committee is a volunteer group appointed by the Board of Supervisors to review and work on open space issues, provide direction on park maintenance and development. They meet on a monthly basis discuss these issues.

Recreation and Special Events Advisory Committee

The committee is a volunteer group appointed by the Board of Supervisors to aid the Recreation Department in the planning and execution of the various programs offered to the residents of the Township. The members attend a meeting every other month in order to plan, suggest, and organize events for the Township. The volunteer members bring fresh ideas, creative solutions, head subcommittees and aid in recruiting other volunteer for each event. We ask that each member attend at least 4- 5 events throughout the year.

Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee is made up of two Board members, Township Manager, Finance Director, and five residents of the Township. The Strategic Planning Committee's concentration will focus on a strategic plan incorporating the operation of the entire Township, including business practices and capital issues. The Board of Supervisors adopted the Strategic Plan on September 26, 2007. 

Technology Assessment and Innovation Committee

The Technology Assessment and Innovation Committee is made up of two Board members, Township Manager of Information Technology, and five Residents of the Township. The Technology Assessment and Innovation Committee explores and assesses the use of technology throughout the township with the goal of delivering services to Township Residents in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee

The Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee is a seven member volunteer board established in 1991 to develop the land use assumptions and conduct the appropriate roadway sufficiency analysis to establish a Traffic Impact Fee. Once the Traffic Impact Fee was established, the committee is responsible for reviewing any amendments to the fee. The committee meets on an as needed basis.