Zoning Law Changes Make it Easier to Build Nursing Homes

Nursing home development in Upper Saucon Township will be easier to do thanks to two changes to the township zoning law that supervisors adopted on Monday night.

First, nursing home development will no longer be considered a special exception use that requires a visit to the township Zoning Hearing Board for approval.

The updated law makes nursing homes a permitted use in both commercial and high-density residential zoning districts.

Second, supervisors approved a change to the township zoning map that makes 7½ acres adjacent to Sacred Heart Senior Living nursing home on Saucon Creek Road high-density residential. Prior to the change, it was zoned for industrial use.

All of the land in question is owned by the nursing home. Township Manager Thomas F. Beil said that the nursing home has expressed a desire to expand, but that no land development plans had been submitted to the township for review.

Another property owner has expressed an interest in building a nursing home on land near the intersection of Camp Meeting Road and Lanark Road, which is zoned for commercial use, Beil said. Again, no land development plans have been submitted.

During a public hearing on the zoning law changes, township solicitor Jeffery R. Dimmich said that easing the obstacles to nursing home development actually allows for “less dramatic use” than what had been allowed by right in an industrial zone and is already allowed by right in a commercial zone.

Under the township’s definition of nursing home, no drug and alcohol treatment centers, mental health inpatient hospitals or group homes will be permitted, Dimmich said.

There were no objections or comments during the public hearing to air out the proposed zoning changes. Supervisors subsequently adopted the zoning law changes unanimously.