Dorneyville Pharmacy, serving the public at 3300 Hamilton Blvd. since 1989, is planning to expand upward with a specially equipped lab to comply with governmental regulations.

The pharmacy compounds medications for humans and pets as prescribed by physicians and veterinarians.

Highly regulated by numerous federal agencies, the pharmacy is now directed to provide a hazard lab to prepare cancer chemotherapy medications, hormone prescriptions and some other compounds.

The initial plan was to expand toward the rear of the existing building but that created problems with increased impervious surface, reduced parking and land development issues.

At a recent commissioners’ meeting, Gregg Adams, planner from the South Whitehall community development department, commented on the situation.

“They considered pushing out the back of the building but the only way they can go is up,” Adams explained.

The upstairs addition will include the specialized lab, meeting area and facilities for employees.

Adams reported the project is a low-impact development resulting in no changes to the current land use, building footprint or impervious surface.

However, he noted their pharmacy will still have to obtain zoning approval as it is increasing the square footage more than 25 percent.

In another matter, Adams reported the township staff amended the zoning ordinance regarding solar panels in response to a request from Luther Crest retirement community.

The retirement community wants to install solar panels on the site to generate 25 percent of the electricity needed in the community.

The new regulations allow solar panels on parking lot canopies no higher than 25 feet.

Adams noted due to fiscal and aesthetic reasons, the canopies were considered by Luther Crest representatives to be more favorable than roof or ground solar panels.