The Sept. 11 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission consisted of revising the zoning ordinance text. The discussion began with the definitions section.

Lower Macungie Township Planner Nathan Jones said these changes do not impact which uses are allowed in each zone, but are simply administrative changes.

There was talk about the definitions of household pets and LED signs.

The planning commission had a conversation about the definition of lot width.

It was debated if lot width should be measured from the building set back line or the street right of way. It was decided the lot width should be measured using the same standard neighboring townships use.

It was decided to use the state standard when it came to the definition of manufactured.

The rest home term was removed as it now falls under the category of life care centers.

The planning commission discussed the definition for boat and RV repair. There is a limit of 14 consecutive days on a property. Commissioners wanted to have tighter rules to prevent users from continually resetting the time period.

The planning commission wanted to shrink the minimum lot size for mixed use developments from 5 acres to 2 acres.

Another item talked about was shielding utility equipment. The issue of changes in elevation was discussed and the planning commissioners wanted some clarity in the definition.

It was decided utility equipment should be shielded from street level 360 degrees around the equipment.

There was a discussion about the entrances of commercial buildings. It was decided all buildings must have the functional main entrance facing the street. This is particularly relevant on main commercial streets like Hamilton Boulevard.

There was also a discussion of having sidewalks, crosswalks and street walls on Hamilton Boulevard.

Another zone discussed was the Wescosville Commercial Zone. Jones said the intent is to try and preserve this historic village.

There was talk about accessory uses in the Wescosville Commercial Zone. One item discussed was allowing residential apartments above structures having a first floor commercial use.

There was an abandonment clause for signs added to say that after not being used for three months, signs no longer meet the ordinance and must adhere to it.

There was a discussion about monument signs. It was decided monument signs can include digital LED signs by special exception.

The planning commission said flashing, changing message and animated permanent commercial signs will not be allowed. Commissioners added inflatable signs and characters are not allowed on commercial properties.

There was a discussion about parking. The planning commissioners decided to require a design professional create a plan for any parking adjustment on a property. Commissioners added this was up to the discretion of the township zoning officer for smaller projects.

The commission wanted to require parking along Hamilton Boulevard and Route 100 be mainly on the back or side of the property, allowing limited parking in the front for handicap accessible parking.

There was a discussion about electric vehicle parking requirements. The decision was every parking lot with more than 50 spaces must have an EV charger. Also, an additional EV charger must be added for every additional 50 parking spaces.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be Oct. 14.

Usually the commission meets the second Tuesday of every month and occasionally there is a workshop meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. There will be no workshop in October.

Meetings begin 6 p.m. and currently all planning commission meetings will be held both in person and over Zoom with a video recording uploaded to the Lower Macungie Township YouTube channel after the fact.