Lower Merion Township Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Lower Merion Township Zoning Overview
Lower Merion Township is an affluent suburban township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, located along Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line. With a population of approximately 63,864, it is one of the wealthiest communities in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the entire United States. The township encompasses well-known communities including Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Haverford, Merion, Narberth (an independent borough), and Penn Valley. Lower Merion is home to several colleges and universities including Bryn Mawr College and Saint Joseph's University.
The township's zoning is administered by the Building and Planning Department. Lower Merion's land use is predominantly residential, with large-lot single-family homes in many neighborhoods, commercial activity concentrated along Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and City Avenue, and institutional uses associated with its colleges and hospitals. The township is known for its strict zoning enforcement and emphasis on maintaining neighborhood character.
Key Zoning Districts
Lower Merion Township's zoning code includes residential districts with notably large minimum lot sizes: R-1 (Low Density, 30,000 sq ft minimum lots with 50-foot front setbacks), R-2 (Medium-Low Density, 15,000 sq ft minimum lots), R-3 (Medium Density, 10,000 sq ft minimum lots), and R-4 (Multi-Family). The large setback requirements -- up to 50 feet in the front and 40 feet in the rear for R-1 -- reflect the township's estate-character neighborhoods. Commercial districts C-1 and C-2 serve neighborhood and general commercial needs along major corridors.
ADU Regulations
Lower Merion Township does not currently have confirmed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Building and Planning Department to discuss available options under the township's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Building and Planning Department processes development applications for Lower Merion Township. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variance requests and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivision and land development plans. The township has several historic districts and a Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) that reviews exterior alterations in designated areas. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Lower Merion Township and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Lower Merion Township at (610) 645-6100 or through the township code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lower Merion Township
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Montgomery County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 30,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 50 ft
- Side Setback
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 40 ft
- Min Lot
- 15,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 12 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Lower Merion Township
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Lower Merion Township are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Lower Merion Township permit fees →