Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in zoning with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.