FRANKLIN TWP — Zoning and land use ordinances could be scrapped and new, more modern regulations put in place here.

Herman Bauer, supervisor chairman, said the zoning ordinance and the ordinance on land use and subdivision in the township are 48 years old and in need of replacement.

“A lot of things have changed since 1970,” Bauer said.

The main reasons for adopting the new ordinances, Bauer said, are that construction and engineering standards for both residential and commercial builders have changed, the old ordinances do not follow laws and requirements that have been changed since 1970, and modern uses like office buildings and pipe storage are not provided for in the old ordinance.

Bauer said Franklin Township was much more agricultural nearly 50 years ago. He said planners also expected the development of hotels and other recreational features in the township's section of Lake Arthur, which never materialized.

Bauer also said the township's current ordinance only allows one structure per property.

“When people wanted to do something additional on their commercial properties, like expand their business and (add another structure), prior boards overlooked it or people had to get a variance, which costs money,” Bauer said. “It is a plethora of red tape and hoops.”

He said the planning commission and supervisors sometimes face gray areas when asked to approve a plan because it is unclear what the old ordinances allow.

“The zoning map is a real checkerboard,” Bauer said.

He said the new zoning ordinance and land use and subdivision ordinances provide a clear picture for residential and commercial uses.

“The biggest thing is neighboring properties will be zoned consistently throughout the township,” Bauer said. “There will be logic in how it's put together.”

He said the new ordinance, which township officials have been working on for the past year, was not created to invite development.

“If it does, that's well and good, but mainly it's to help it be more clear and transparent regarding what people can and cannot do with their properties,” Bauer said.

He said property owners with existing structures and uses that do not match the new ordinance need not worry.

“We're not going to do anything where people are going to have to undo anything,” Bauer said.

He said the township planning commission has voted to recommend that the supervisors approve both ordinances.

The new ordinances will be available for viewing by residents beginning Feb. 5 during regular business hours at the township building at 191 Election House Road.

A public hearing for residents who want to share concerns or ask questions about the ordinances will be held after the regular 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 township meeting at the township building.

“We think it's progress and we think it will help define things so people in the township will have clarity regarding land use,” Bauer said. “(Residents) should be pleased that we took a step forward.”