Hi there. We are looking at a property in Cochranville, PA (Penn Twp, Chester County) and the property is 2.01 acres. I’m wondering if this is enough land zoning-wise to be able to bring our horse along, and if not, our goats (we would board the horse elsewhere). We are in love with the house but can’t seem to find Penn Twp’s zoning info online. Anyone in this area that can shed light on this? Thank you!
not looking in the proper place… it appears to be part of West Fallwood
Today Cochranville remains the center of activity in the West Fallowfield Township and the location of the majority of commerce within the Township.
West Fallowfield Township Zoning Ordinance
http://westfallowfieldtownship.org/w…ning_ordinance
zoning map
http://westfallowfieldtownship.org/y…p.30874727.pdf
RN zoning (appears to possibly cover the are you are looking into
http://westfallowfieldtownship.org/y…00.9470805.pdf
RN zoning allows for Agricultural uses, in accordance with Section 1303
- AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS see page 1300-075
http://westfallowfieldtownship.org/y…b.10182311.pdf
specific questions should be directed to:
Zoning Officer:
Gina M. Wheeler
3095 Limestone Road,
Suite 1 Cochranville, PA 19330
610-593-5916
wfaltwp@gmail.com
I’d highly suggest you call the town and make sure the online regs are the most approved current ones. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve found the online regs not the latest (I work in engineering so we always need zoning regs for everything we work on). I would also confirm with the town that your horse is allowed and if you are allowed more than one, etc. and don’t forget setbacks - that will matter where you can put a barn/shed/structure and also your fencing (lots of town require a setback for fencing too). Two acres is tight but it can be done. Might want to find out how your potential neighbors feel about horses since it’s a small lot. 
2 Likes
Ditto the advice on knowing the vibe of the neighborhood. You can be 100% within the zoning laws and still end up creating terrible neighbor relations. Small acreages are often inhabited by people who want the “peace and quiet” of the country, but can’t afford to buy enough land to actually ensure that. Therefore anything new that they can see/hear/smell may generate complaints. You’ll own every fly in the neighborhood. :lol:
I would also worry about problems with neighbors that close to the animals. I can see complaints about smells, issues with neighbors dogs, and animals coming on your property, and issues with trespassers. I absolutely agree with Hungarian Hippo’s post.
Call the zoning officer!
Two acres is probably not enough land for animals in the area. You need to talk to the Township…and even then, you need to know the “vibe” of this township.
Read about the Newlin Township saga and be very careful. This debacle started as a dispute between neighbors, and ended up as a major zoning change that affected all horse farms.
Oct. 2014
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.co…Clamp-Down.php
Nov. 2014
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.co…-Options.php#/
December 2015 - the PA Attorney General sides with horse farms
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.co…e-Owners.php#/
January 2016------the Newlin supervisor submit their response…basically saying their ordinance is just like all the other ordinances.
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.co…-Respond.php#/
April 2016…2-yrs later - the saga continues & the PA AG sides with horse farms
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.co…solution.php#/
May 2016…the saga continues
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.co…trictive.php#/
