BUTLER TWP — Township commissioners have hired an engineering firm to possibly revise the municipality’s zoning ordinance to make residential development more cost-effective.

Commissioner Dave Zarnick said the township needs to think about changing its zoning ordinance to keep pace with municipalities that offer “patio home” development

The developments, which group single-family homes into groups of two or four, are often more cost-effective for developers working with odd-shaped parcels or pieces of land containing wetlands and other characteristics that drive up the cost of more traditional neighborhood-style developments.

“In 10 years, unless we can do something to spur development and growth, we’re going to run into problems,” said township manager Ed Kirkwood. “Our expenses continue to grow.”