Radnor Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Radnor public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Proposed Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Radnor is getting ahead of data center development by defining the use, limiting it to the PLO district, capping size, and requiring noise, decommissioning and financial-security standards. Commissioners and residents raised concerns about noise setbacks and developer bankruptcy risk.
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.
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.
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.
Residential Setback Variances and Neighborhood Character
A homeowner on Camp Woods Road received approval to expand their house, accommodating a growing family and aging parents despite a tight corner lot.
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.