Planning and Zoning
Zoning & Building Officer
Jason Harhart
610-759-9449 ext. 1
jharhart@mooretownship.org
Planning & Zoning Secretary
Lois Kerbacher
610-759-9449 ext. 5
lkerbacher@mooretownship.org
To discuss plans, ideas, and learn of the Township regulations, ordinances, and required permits, please contact the Zoning & Building Officer.
To file a complaint, fill out the Official Complaint Form and return to the Township.
Select Forms & Documents for permits, applications, and maps.
Moore Township Planning Commission
Richard Gable - Chairman
John Wetzel - Vice Chairman
Jason Harhart - Secretary
Max Bauer
Trevor Errington
David Koder
Stephen Konopka
Michael Kuchavik
Bruce Talipan
The goal of the Moore Township Planning Commission is to provide for the well-planned development of the Township based on the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The functions include, but are not limited to, reviewing subdivisions and land development plans, various ordinances, sewage planning modules, and correspondence related to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Meetings are held the 4th Monday of the month at 6:00 PM. The plan & application submission deadline is the 1st Monday of the Month.
Moore Township Zoning Hearing Board
Jeffery Ayers - Chairman
Jeffrey Deloglos - Vice Chairman
Randy Silfies
Lyle Woodard
Zachary Zeitner
Matt Flower - Alternate
Tama Rigler - Alternate
Kimberly Talipan - Alternate
The Zoning Hearing Board provides a forum to appeal a decision of the Zoning Officer and to make a request for a favorable interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance, special exception, or variance. Decisions made by the Zoning Hearing Board may only be appealed to the Northampton County Courts.
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month (as needed) at 6:00 PM as advertised. The application submission deadline is 21 days prior to the meeting.
Moore Township Zoning Ordinance and Permit Requirements
As a Moore Township resident or business person you can save time, effort and money by first contacting the Zoning Officer to discuss your plans and ideas. At that time, you will be able to find out what the Township regulations and ordinances require and permits that may be needed in order to comply.
The Moore Township Zoning ordinance requires zoning permits for all structures and uses including, but not limited to, homes, garages, sheds, decks, additions, patios, porches, swimming pools, fences, driveways and alterations of any structure or use. Applications for Zoning Permits, Driveway Permits, Zoning Variances, Subdivision and Land Developments can be downloaded (use the "Forms" link in menu at left) and printed for you to complete. For a copy of the Moore Township Zoning Map, click on the (Forms and Documents) tab located on the left side of the screen. You can view or print the map from that location.
A Zoning Permit is required prior to the start of any of the following activities:
- Erection, construction movements, placement or expansion of a structure, building or sign.
- Change of the type or expansion of an existing use of a structure or area of land or creation of a new use.
- Creation of a new use, including but not limited to: single family dwellings, additions to single family dwellings, or structures, fences, garages, patios, decks, sheds, pools, all accessory buildings, driveways, new commercial projects, etc., Demolition of a structure.
Building permits, issued by PA Certified Third Party agencies or individuals under the PA Uniform Construction Code, may also apply to some of these structures depending on their size and construction. It is very important to apply for your permit prior to conducting any of the activities above. The Township must confirm that the use is permitted, setbacks are complied with, and that you are not potentially disturbing your septic system.
Moore Township is an "Opt Out" municipality under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Residents may choose any third party agency or individual to conduct UCC Code Inspections that are required by PA State Law. Copies of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, along with all other Township Ordinances may be purchased at the Township Building.
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
Moore Township has adopted current Zoning and Subdivision & Land Development Ordinances. It is the intent, purpose and scope of these Ordinances to protect and promote the safety, health and morals of the community. These Ordinances attempt to accomplish coordinated development and growth, provide for the general welfare of our constituents by planning and protecting property, convenience, future governmental, economic, practical, and social and cultural facilities, as well as the improvement of governmental processes and functions. They also are tools to guide uses of land and structures, type and location of streets, public grounds and other facilities and to promote the preservaton of the community's natural and historic resources and prime agricultural land. The Township has also adopted a joint municipal compreshensive plan with 9 other municipalities known as the Nazareth Area Regional Comprehensive Plan. The township comprehensive plan is generally consistent with the county comprehensive plan and was developed with the help and support of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, which is our County Planning Agency. The Zoning Ordinance conforms to the comprehensive plan.
All of the aforementioned Ordinances are consistent with the requirements of the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) which is developed by the State Legislature. The Zoning Office is responsible for the front line administration of the subdivision and land development process and the Zoning Ordinance. The office works with the Township Engineer, Solicitor, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and Township Officials in the endevor of processing the numerous activities related to planning and zoning. The Township has an ordinance regulating the subdivision of land, adjustment of lot lines and development of lots for single, multi-family or non-residential uses, based on the Pa State Municipalities Planning Code. Plans are subject to review by the Planning Commission and approval by the Board of Supervisors. A complete copy of this ordinance may be purchased at the Township Building.
