Millcreek Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Millcreek Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rezoning of 16.3 acres at 5901 Wattsburg Road to Interstate Commercial
Nicholas Scott wants 16.3 acres near Interstate 90 and Wattsburg Road changed from Conservation Residential to Interstate Commercial zoning. Approval would allow commercial development along the interstate corridor instead of the low-density residential uses currently permitted.
Multi-Family Dwelling Variance at 3223 West 12th Street
Marie McDaniel is seeking a variance or nonconforming use status to operate a multi-family dwelling in a single-family residential zone.
Legacy multi-family homes misclassified as single-family
A West 12th Street house has operated as three rental units for decades, but township records never showed it. The variance now protects the owner's ability to keep renting — and to sell the property as what it actually is.
Sign Regulations Variance at 5942 Peach Street
Rodney Williams is requesting relief from commercial sign regulations for a property located in the C1 Corridor Commercial District.
In-Law Apartment Special Exception at 4709 Lawndale Drive
The Hicks case shows how the township handles existing in-law suites when homes change hands — here the special exception keeps a pending sale alive. One neighbor worried it sets a precedent for the single-family street.
SALDO and Stormwater Ordinance Updates
Proposed changes to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and local stormwater regulations were put under review to update standards for new construction and runoff management.
Herbert Rezoning Request at 4007 West 12th Street
A developer requested rezoning 3.2 acres from low-density residential to mixed-use corridor, drawing fierce pushback from neighbors worried about traffic, high-density housing, and property values. The board ultimately voted down the request following a Planning Commission recommendation to deny.
Floodplain Setback Variance for Residential Pool
Homeowners on Larchmont Drive sought permission to install an above-ground pool and deck close to Beaver Creek due to a lot constraint.
Zoning Code Amendments for Data Centers and Transitional Dwellings
Candy Horm asked why the township hasn't written rules for data centers yet. Staff said they'll designate where they'd be allowed — but there's no ordinance currently in the works.
Kelso Drive Residential Redevelopment
Property owners are rebuilding a single-family home and adding a large garage in an area zoned for commercial mixed use, maintaining the historic residential character of the neighborhood.
Accessory Structure Regulations Without Principal Dwellings
Property owners are seeking flexibility to add carports and storage structures on lots without a primary house, balancing practical storage needs with neighborhood character.
Westminster Development Floodplain Variance Request
A developer wants to build commercial buildings and parking dangerously close to Walnut Creek, but neighbors are sounding the alarm about polluted runoff, contaminated drinking wells, and safety hazards near the steep cliff.
West Lake Road Commercial Rezoning
Two long-time business properties were rezoned to residential in the 2022 comprehensive rezoning, and the owners want MU-1 Neighborhood Mixed Use back so they can sell or operate. The Supervisors tabled both petitions and want the Planning Commission to look at adding two business parcels across the street so all four rezone together and avoid a spot-zoning challenge.
Paper Street Expirations — Westminster Blvd and South Shore Drive
The township formally gave up long-expired rights to two never-built streets from 1920s subdivisions, letting abutting property owners claim the land — while keeping its sewer lines there.
Peach Street Partnership Minor Subdivision
A minor subdivision plan was reviewed to adjust property lines and remove a parking lot encroachment onto a residential parcel at West Gore Road and Richmond Street.
Peninsula Drive Commercial Parking Lot Expansion
A commercial property owner is adding an overflow parking lot to accommodate oversized vehicles like boats and RVs visiting the nearby Burger King, helping reduce traffic congestion.
Rear Yard Setback Variance at 2536 N. Tracy Drive
Homeowners wanted to build a sunroom on their back patio, but local setback rules got in the way. Since front and side building lines made other additions impossible, the board granted the variance so they could move forward.
Asbury Road Property Replot and Wetland Concerns
Neighbors raised strong concerns about drainage, wetlands, and unpermitted property clearing regarding a minor subdivision plan on Asbury Road. Despite resident objections, the commission advanced the plan to the supervisors.
Medical Office Parking Variance at 5008 West Ridge Road
An applicant requested permission to build 33 parking spaces instead of the maximum 16 allowed by code for a 2,500-square-foot medical office, arguing that medical practices require significantly more parking than general professional offices.
Office Building Parking Variance on Village Common Drive
An applicant requested a variance for 66 parking spaces instead of the maximum 59 to support an office building with approximately 60 employees.
Watson Road Subdivision and Easement Concerns
A property owner contested a lot split on Watson Road, arguing it was designed to bypass existing view and building easements. The planning commission ultimately recommended approval while noting private easement disputes are civil matters.