3 rules for unincorporated Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Chester County PA does not set building setbacks. Under the PA Municipalities Planning Code, your borough or township fixes front, side and rear yard setbacks by zoning district. Requirements differ greatly between rural townships and dense boroughs like West Chester.
PA Municipalities Planning Code §603(b)(3), 53 P.S. §10603
The provisions of zoning ordinances may be... designed... to regulate... (3) Areas and dimensions of land and bodies of water to be occupied by uses and structures, as well as courts, yards, and other open spaces and distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures.
Chester County PA sets no building height limit. Your borough or township caps building height by zoning district under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Suburban districts often allow about 35 feet; boroughs and commercial districts may differ.
PA Municipalities Planning Code §603(b)(2), 53 P.S. §10603
The provisions of zoning ordinances may be... designed... to regulate... (2) Size, height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal and use of structures.
Chester County PA does not set lot-coverage limits. Your borough or township caps building and impervious coverage by zoning district under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. County involvement is limited to stormwater and erosion review, not coverage percentages.
PA Municipalities Planning Code §603(b)(3)-(4), 53 P.S. §10603
The provisions of zoning ordinances may be... designed... to regulate... (3) Areas and dimensions of land... to be occupied by uses and structures... (4) Density of population and intensity of use.
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