Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in zoning
Residential Setback Variances and Neighborhood Character
Three separate requests for relief from residential setbacks: a rear addition on Moscia Lane, a pergola on Barcladen Circle, and a two-story addition on King of Prussia Road. These show how often existing homes bump up against zoning limits.
Old Friend Restaurant vestibule controversy
The restaurant wants a glazed front vestibule for warmth and guest comfort on cold nights, but the board denied the application as presented because zoning approval — and possibly land development and ADA review — must come first.
Harth rebranding and signage at former Luella boutique
A residential design-build firm is rebranding the former Luella space at 227 E. Lancaster Ave, but its proposed marquee lettering exceeds the code's sign allowance of roughly 64 square feet total. The application was continued to December 9 while the owner revises plans.
Proposed Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Radnor is getting ahead of data center development by drafting rules: limiting them to the PLO district, capping building coverage, requiring noise limits, decommissioning plans and annual compliance checks. A second draft comes back after commissioner and public input.
Resident-requested removal of right-of-way trees
A Radnor Valley Road resident wants healthy sweet gum trees on the right-of-way removed because gumballs pile up and pedestrians have twisted ankles. The commission wouldn't condemn healthy trees for fruit drop, but is exploring a policy that would let residents pay to remove their own street trees under the same replacement rules as private trees.
Dimensional Variance for Front Stairs at 621 Heather Lane
Hiromi and Steve Ciarrochi need zoning relief to expand their back patio and redesign front steps that encroach into the right-of-way area.
Impervious Coverage Variance at 407 Midland Avenue
Homeowners Jennifer and Edward Brennan are seeking permission to keep an existing stone patio that pushes their property's impervious coverage slightly above the legal limit.
Parking Space and Width Variances at 105 N. Aberdeen Avenue
A proposed coffee shop and community foundation headquarters requested significant parking variances, sparking pushback from a neighboring shopping center over potential overflow parking issues.
Villanova University Parking and Connelly Center Expansion Review
Villanova University and township engineers are at odds over how to calculate parking requirements for the Connelly Center expansion based on an older zoning code. The dispute centers on whether office parking ratios should be applied per building or lumped together campus-wide.
Zoning Code Amendments for Nonconforming Uses
The township enacted an ordinance overhauling regulations for nonconforming uses, structures, and lots to provide clearer legal protections and remove registration fees.
Historic District Architectural Oversight
The review board evaluated and approved eight residential modification requests to ensure exterior changes comply with historic preservation standards in Wayne.
Neighbor Dispute and Code Enforcement at 506 Chaumont Drive
A resident expressed deep frustration over alleged unpermitted grading and property damage caused by a next-door neighbor, criticizing township staff for inaction and lax enforcement.
Commercial Signage Standards and Visual Clutter
Flagship Carwash sought extensive new signage including wall signs, pole signs, pay lane signs, and vacuum station graphics. The board expressed concerns over sign sizes, heights, and excessive red coloring, continuing several elements for redesign.
Accessory In-Law Suite Kitchen Permitting
Homeowners on Radnor Valley Drive successfully secured permission to build an in-law suite with a full kitchen for aging parents, backed by a promise not to turn it into a rental.
Shade Tree Ordinance Lookback Criteria
The commission is reviewing a proposed ordinance amendment that would introduce a 3 to 5-year look-back period to account for tree removals prior to grading permit applications, aiming to prevent premature clearing by developers.
Residential Fencing and Gate Variances at 12 Welwyn Road
Homeowners sought permission to install an oversized driveway gate and a deer fence with wooden posts instead of metal. Neighbors supported the project, citing aesthetics and recent security concerns, though some board members debated wildlife management and child safety.
Garage Addition at 234 E. Beechtree Lane
A proposed garage addition to a historic Horace Trumbauer-designed home, navigating corner lot setbacks and material matching.
Commercial Parking Reduction at 110 Gallagher Road
A local commercial property needed permission to reduce required parking spaces by eight because a new spa tenant's hours won't conflict with existing businesses like a Pilates studio.
Signage and Fence Variances for Wawa at 302-306 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne Property Acquisition sought extensive sign, wall, and fence height variances for the new Wawa gas station and convenience store, reflecting long-running development plans.
Sign Code Interpretation and Amendment
Several local businesses sought sign approvals ahead of an upcoming township ordinance vote that will adjust size allowances. The Design Review Board implemented conditional approvals to streamline the process once the ordinance passes.