Zoning issues were the main topics during West Penn Township's regular meeting, and the Comprehensive Plan public hearing which followed it.

During the regular meeting, supervisors discussed proposed adjustments to an ordinance addressing the size of accessory structures. Currently, the size of the accessory structure, such as a garage, in a residential zoning area is dependent upon the size of the residence the accessory structure can't be more than 50 percent of the size of the home.In the draft of the proposed ordinance, the size of the accessory structure would be linked to the size of the lot, and that would vary by residential zoning district according to the front, rear and side lot setbacks as described in the various districts. After some discussion, the supervisors decided to increase the height allowance for an accessory structure from 25 feet to 30 feet. The draft ordinance will be developed by township solicitor Gretchen Stearns and must also be reviewed and approved by the Schuylkill County Planning Commission before township approval.The Schuylkill County Planning Commission reviewed the township's pending Comprehensive Plan in October, and the township's public hearing on the plan followed the regular meeting. According to the municipal planning code, each municipal entity revamps its comprehensive plan every 10 years. The plan includes an evaluation of past and present conditions, as well as a plan outlining future goals and objectives.The County Planning Commission review noted that "the land use map extends more residential areas into areas designated as agricultural," and during public comment, a resident found fault with that component of the plan."I see big bombs in it," said William Varano of Tamaqua, referring to the Comprehensive Plan and changes to zoning districts. "My property is ag but changes to residential."Varano said those types of changes would lead to legal challenges, which would be expensive for the township and the landowner. In response, Greg Stewart of Alfred Benesch & Co, the engineering firm which developed the plan, said he welcomed the public comment, and would seek further input from Varano and other residents."I hope you find a simple way to modify it," Varano said. "Or you'll be putting me and several others in a corner."The township will make final revisions to the plan this month, with its adoption tentatively scheduled during the December township meeting. Stearns said the plan's adoption could be held off until a later date if needed.