05/23/2026
PUBLIC INFORMATION UPDATE – PROPOSED ZONING / DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION – 467 W. Main Street
The Borough is aware of recent social media discussion regarding a potential residential development project and proposed zoning district change within Bath Borough. Because several comments online suggest the project has already been approved, the Borough would like to provide clarification regarding the current status of the matter.
At this time, NO FINAL APPROVAL HAS BEEN GRANTED for either a zoning change or any land development project associated with the property.
Borough Council previously asked the Planning Commission to review and provide a recommendation regarding whether the underlying property should be considered for rezoning from the current Manufacturing Commercial (MC) District to the High-Density Residential (R-3) District. The R-3 District already exists immediately adjacent to portions of the property to the east.
During the Planning Commission meeting, both the developer and residents provided comments regarding the potential project, including concerns involving traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood impacts, and future land use. After discussion, the Planning Commission voted to recommend that Borough Council consider the zoning district change request. One Planning Commission member specifically commented that they would prefer residential use over additional commercial/industrial-type activity, particularly given existing truck traffic concerns in the Borough.
It is important to understand that the Planning Commission’s action was only a recommendation to Borough Council. The Planning Commission serves as an advisory and recommending body within the municipal process.
If Borough Council were to consider a zoning district change, the matter would require additional public proceedings, including ordinance consideration, public hearings, legal advertisement, property posting, and an official zoning map amendment process. This process could continue through the summer months.
Separately, even if a zoning change were ultimately approved, a proposed development would still need to comply with numerous additional review and permitting requirements from the Borough and outside agencies, including but not limited to:
• Borough SALDO (Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance) requirements
• Borough Zoning Ordinance requirements
• PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit review and approval
• Stormwater management review under Act 167 and PA DEP requirements
• Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review
• Northampton County Conservation District review
• Additional engineering, utility, traffic, environmental, and infrastructure approvals as required by law
In situations where an applicant seeks a waiver from the SALDO or a variance through the Zoning Hearing Board process, Pennsylvania law establishes specific legal standards governing how those requests are evaluated. Borough Council, the Planning Commission, and the Zoning Hearing Board must apply the applicable legal standards and procedural requirements established under Pennsylvania law. Likewise, applicants may pursue legal remedies or appeals permitted under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).
Land development and zoning matters are often lengthy processes that can take many months — and in some cases years — before reaching any final determination. For example, the Bathwick Development (303 W. Main Street) has remained in various stages of the planning and review process for more than four years.
As of today, there is only a proposed concept and an ongoing public process. No final action has been taken by Borough Council regarding either the zoning district request or any land development approval.
Residents are encouraged to continue participating in the public process by attending meetings, reviewing publicly available materials, and sharing comments through the appropriate public channels as the matter proceeds.
BTF
