Planning
The Lower Macungie Community Development Department administers all land-use planning, development, building permit and zoning activities for Lower Macungie Township in service to all township residents and businesses. The Department strives to provide exemplary customer service and continues to ensure Lower Macungie is an exceptional community to live, work and play.
If you have questions about starting a business or building or improving your home, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Development Department and staff will be happy to advise and shepherd you though the steps to reach your goal.
Lower Macungie Township has invested heavily in progressive and refined land planning efforts and practices to ensure the Lehigh Valley’s thirds largest municipality remains a regional engine for outstanding land use practices, economic development and high quality of life.
Planning documents are available for reading on this page, which illustrate future community goals and expectations for land use, infrastructure, trails and excellence in design.
Developers interested in investing in Lower Macungie Township with commercial or residential proposals are encouraged to reach out to the Planning Department as early as possible to begin the Township’s pre-application process.
Nathan Jones, AICP- Director of Planning/ Community Development: Provides interpretation, enforcement and administration of Township Land Use Codes and Ordinances; assesses Planning and Community Development Departmental needs; leads planning, direction, and the integration of comprehensive planning and community development programs and services; maintains, updates and administers land use ordinances; researches/ reports current trends in planning and community development best practices; monitors federal/state/county legislation and regulations related to land development, planning and land use, conducts rezoning reviews, right-of-way negotiations, processes grant and funding opportunities and manages township economic development initiatives. The Planning/ Community Development Director additionally acts as staff liaison to and administers the proceedings of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission.
Hamilton Boulevard Corridor Study:
US Route 22, Route 100 and Hamilton Boulevard are some of the region's most critical transportation corridors. Comprised of a network of important roadways and rail lines, the US 22 and I-78 Corridor’s links a series of distinct and historic communities and is home to some of the region's most identifiable places. Approximately 5 miles in length, the Hamilton Boulevard Corridor Study Area extends from US 22 at the western gateway to I-78 at the eastern gateway. The study area spans both Lower Macungie and Upper Macungie Township’s. The study area's boundary extends roughly one-half mile north and south of Hamilton Boulevard. The Hamilton Boulevard Corridor Study was initiated by Lower and Upper Macungie Townships, with the support of LANTA and PennDOT, to help coordinate transportation and land use planning across the municipalities that line this important corridor. By coordinating these efforts, both municipalities seek to promote a more sustainable region and implement the goals and objectives focused on a more regional plan for a sustainable future.
This document is the result of a multi-year planning process that began in fall 2012. During this time, Lower Macungie Township facilitated multiple public participation opportunities and worked extensively with a variety of stakeholders. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), composed of professional staff from corridor municipalities and agencies such as PennDOT and LANTA, was created to provide local and technical expertise and help guide the direction of the study. During the course of the study, over 100 residents and stakeholders participated in public open houses held at the Lower Macungie municipal building. These meetings allowed the public to learn about the study and offer their input on corridor issues and problems. Additionally, Lower Macungie provided online updates and hosted public presentation information on the township website which allowed residents to help identify corridor needs and recommend improvement strategies.
Hamilton Boulevard Corridor Study - Adopted August 20, 2015
- Cover to Page 24
- Page 25 to Page 43
- Page 44 to Page 89
- Page 90 to Page 105
- Page 106 to Page 113
- Page 114 to Page 119
- Page 120 to Page 130
Smart Growth Plan: The plan is currently tabled during review of the Southwest Comp Plan
Traffic Impact Fee: The Act 209 Traffic Impact Fee Ordinance was first implemented in 2009. In 2016, the Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee began the process to update the ordinance where several reports are formed; the Land Use Assumption Report, the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis Report, and the Transportation Capital Improvements Plan. The Board of Commissioners adopted the current Traffic Impact Fee on September 6, 2018 and is Codified Ordinance §§22B.
Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee
Reports:
- Land Use Assumption Report, Adopted by BOC November 17, 2016
- Roadway Sufficiency Analysis Report, Adopted by BOC April 19, 2018
- Transportation Capital Improvements Plan - Appendix A Adopted by BOC April 19, 2018
Enforcement:
Vincent Tranguch, BCO- Deputy Community Development Director: Is the Township’s designated Building Code Official and is responsible for managing and directing all Township building permit and inspection activity under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Additionally, receiving and administering all code complaints regarding zoning and property maintenance code violations, along with administering the proceedings of the Lower Macungie Township Building Code Board of Appeals. All inspection personnel have enforcement oversight under the Deputy Director. In addition, the Deputy Director acts as staff liaison to Township emergency services providers and the Township Emergency Management Organization..
Carl L. Best- Township Zoning Officer: Is the Township’s designated Zoning Officer and provides formal, legal interpretation of Township Zoning Ordinances and is responsible for the direction, administration and coordination of all zoning matters and such review of all land develop and subdivision issues in compliance with adopted zoning ordinances. The Zoning Officer additionally acts as staff liaison to and administers the proceedings of the Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board.
Randy Gillespie – Code Specialist: Is the Township’s primary Residential Building Inspector and is responsible for reviewing applicable permits for compliance with the UCC and inspection of construction relating to those applicable permits. In addition, the code specialist also investigates Property Maintenance Code complaints as received.
Zachary Graves- Water Resources Specialist / SEO: Is the Township’s designated Sewage Enforcement Officer, managing and processing required administration of on-lot septic systems within the Township. Additionally, the SEO provides assistance for connection to the regional sewer system and serves, in part, as a staff liaison to the Lehigh County Authority. Water Resources are also managed including administration of the Township’s MS4 Program and working with residents and businesses to address stormwater concerns or questions.
Administrative
Debra Ward- Planning Clerk: Is responsible for administration and processing of subdivision, land development and zoning heard board applications and plans. Other duties include, but are not limited to, coordination and preparation for monthly Planning Commission meetings and workshops.
Maureen Lang- Permits Coordinator: Is responsible for the administration and processing of all forms and applications as it relates to Zoning, Residential and Commercial permits along with coordination of the Fire and Life Safety Inspection administrative requirements.
Kimberly Boyer- Permits Clerk: Is responsible for receiving and taking action on applications for Zoning, Residential and Commercial permits along with coordinating inspection scheduling for residential building permits.
Inspectors:
Keycodes Inspection Agency: Is the Townships third party inspection agent. They are responsible for Commercial Building plan review, commercial UCC inspections and residential electrical inspections.
Contact Us
The Planning/Community Development, Permits, Enforcement and Inspectors offices are available through email, phone, or personal visit.
Planning/Community Development
Nathan Jones: e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone 610-966-4343 x 126
Debbie Ward: e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone: 610-966-4343 x 137
Enforcement
Vince Tranguch: e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone: 610-966-4343 x 115
Zachary Graves: e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone: 610-966-4343 x 121
Inspectors
Randy Gillespie: e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone 610-966-4343 x 120
David Shields: e-mail:.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone: 610-866-9663
Permits - scheduling inspections and general permit questions
Maureen Lang: e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone: 610-966-4343 x 133
Permit Clerk: Kimberly Herman email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), telephone: 610-966-4343 x 134
You can also reach us at Contact Us.