Read the most current Delaware County Planning Commission meeting agenda or research agendas from the past 5 years.
Current Meeting Agenda
The Current Meeting Agenda is available in PDF format. If you do not have the required Adobe Acrobat Reader software, it can be downloaded free from the Adobe site.
Previous Agendas
The Planning Commission meeting agendas for the current and three previous calendar years are available below in PDF format. Historical agenda information not listed can be obtained by contacting the Planning Department at (610) 891-5200.
2026
2025
2024
2023
The Bates Awards Program honors excellence in site planning, development practices, and the innovate use of land resources.
| 2025 | No Award Presented |
| 2024 | No Award Presented |
| 2023 | No Award Presented |
| 2022 | No Award Presented |
| 2021 | No Award Presented |
| 2020 | No Award Presented |
| 2019 | No Award Presented |
| 2018 | Chester Charter School for the Arts, Chester City Edgmont Township Community Park, Edgmont Township Clem Macrone Park Rehabilitation, Radnor Township Lansdowne Landing, Landsowne Borough |
| 2017 | East Lansdowne Memorial Park, East Lansdowne Borough Central Park, Swarthmore Borough |
| 2016 | Walgreen’s Center, Lansdowne Borough Town Center West (Inn at Swarthmore), Swarthmore Borough |
| 2015 | No Award Presented |
| 2014 | No Award Presented |
| 2013 | Louella House, Radnor Township |
| 2012 | Knowles Avenue Underpass Project, Glenolden Borough (Special Merit Award to Borough Council) |
| 2011 | Founders Hall/Widener University, Chester City Edgmont Township, Leadership in Alternative Energy Policy |
| 2010 | Health Center Four/Rothman Institute, Middletown Township PPL Park Sports Stadium, Chester City |
| 2009 | SAP America, Inc., Newtown Township University Crossing, Chester City |
| 2008 | No Award Presented |
| 2007 | The McKee Group, Foxfield, Bethel Township Harrah's Chester Casino & Race Track, Chester City |
| 2006 | No Award Presented |
| 2005 | DeLuca Homes, Creekside Village, Upper Chichester Township |
| 2004 | No Award Presented |
| 2003 | No Award Presented |
| 2002 | No Award Presented |
| 2001 | No Award Presented |
| 2000 | No Award Presented |
| 1999 | SAP America, Inc., Newtown Township Chestnut Ridge, Chester City William Penn Homes, Chester City |
| 1998 | No Award Presented |
| 1997 | No Award Presented |
| 1996 | Jefferies Square, Chester City Home Depot Plaza, Upper Darby Township |
| 1995 | Riddle Village, Middletown Township Garnet Oaks, Bethel Township |
| 1994 | No Award Presented |
| 1993 | No Award Presented |
| 1992 | No Award Presented |
| 1991 | PennDOT, The Blue Route |
| 1990 | Mallard Mill Run, Nether Providence Township |
| 1989 | The Birches, Radnor Township |
| 1988 | Market Square Memorial Park, Marcus Hook Borough |
| 1987 | No Award Presented |
| 1986 | No Award Presented |
| 1985 | No Award Presented |
| 1984 | Radnor Corporate Center, Radnor Township Woodlot, Parkside Borough |
| 1983 | Runnymeade Farms, for execution of the plan, Edgmont Township The Watkins Avenue Multi-Purpose Recreational Center, Upper Darby Township The Chesley Office Campus, Nether Providence Township Ravenscliff, Radnor & Newtown Townships |
| 1982 | Runnymeade Farms, for site design, Edgmont Township Toft Woods, Upper Providence Township Arco Research Center, Newtown Township |
The 1724 Chester Courthouse was once the Courthouse for Chester and Delaware Counties and City Hall for Chester. Since the 1920s it has been open as a historic site. It is now owned by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and leased by Delaware County. It is the oldest building in continuous public use in the country. Both PHMC and Delaware County are rehabilitating the building in anticipation of America250 in 2026. Follow the progress here.
LATEST NEWS
- The Courthouse will be open for the Reading of the Declaration on July 8, 2026 at 1 pm. All are welcome to see the completed rehabilitation of the Courthouse.
- BSS Construction has been selected to undertake the construction of the rehabilitation of the Courthouse. It is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
- On December 12, 2024 at 11 am, there was a Lafayette Trail Marker Dedication and a short celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Courthouse. It was held at the park opposite Chester City Hall at the corner of 4th Street and Avenue of the States, moving inside the Courthouse for the anniversary celebration. Watch the Lafayette Marker Dedication Ceremony and 300th Anniversary Celebration here and see photos here.
- On October 5, 2024, the County hosted Lafayette Day in Chester with boarded up windows but new LED lighting so the interior of the courtroom was not dark. See photos and learn more about the event here.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 2021, PHMC signed a lease agreement with Delaware County for the County to take over the programming and maintenance at the Courthouse. As part of the agreement, PHMC will be doing the following improvements:
- Repair/repaint first floor windows, doors, and shutters
- Repair/replace first floor HVAC system
- Upgrade first floor lights
- Repair roof leaks and seal roof to last longer
- Selective first floor interior painting/plastering
In 2023, Delaware County was awarded a National Park Service Grant for the Rehabilitation of the Courthouse. See press release here.
The grant covers the following improvements:
- Exterior stone repairs/ repointing
- Repair/repaint cupola and second floor windows, shutters, eaves
- Upgrade electric, fire, alarm systems
- Repair plumbing/electric on second floor
- Refinish wood floors
- Interior painting/plastering on both floors
The County hired J&M Preservation to undertake the drawings, specifications, and construction management for the NPS grant project. They have regular meetings with Delaware County and PHMC staff about the project and coordination. The construction projects covered by the NPS grant have will be completed by July 2026.
Some of the work covered by PHMC has been completed or are underway, and progress can be seen by visitors:
| Completed | In Progress - expected 2026 |
|---|---|
| Repair/repaint first floor shutters | Repair first floor HVAC |
| Repair first floor doors | Selective interior painting/plastering |
| Upgrade first floor lights | Repaint first floor doors |
| Repair roof leaks | |
| Repair/repaint first floor windows | |
| Seal roof | |
| Install first floor storm windows |
Keep checking back here for more progress about both projects.
PUBLIC USE OF THE COURTHOUSE
The Courthouse has the honor of being the oldest public building in continuous public use in the country. Apart from a few years in the 1780s between when Chester County moved the courthouse to West Chester and Delaware County was established, it has been in public ownership and use. While these construction projects are underway, public access is limited to a few times a year. Law Day, hosted by the Delaware County Bar Association, is on the first Friday in May each year. The Chester Historical Preservation Committee and Friends of the 1724 Chester Courthouse host the Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 each year in honor of when it was read at the Courthouse on July 8, 1776. 2024 marks the 300th anniversary of the Courthouse, but because there is no heat and no running water to the building, a small celebration was held on December 12, 2024. Watch the video here. The Delaware County Bar Association’s Law Day was held on May 1, 2026.
The Delaware County Planning Department is hoping for public input for programming at the Courthouse after the construction is completed in 2026. The first floor is a courtroom which can hold audiences for mock trials, speeches, lectures, small performances, etc. The second floor has two restrooms (not ADA accessible), a room for meetings, and a large room (former Grand Jury Room). This can be used as a museum for Chester and/or the Courthouse, a larger meeting room, or anything else. Delaware County Parks and Recreation will manage rental permits for the building (free/low cost for community groups and non-profits to have meetings/programs) in 2026 and beyond. Let us know what you think here.
Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
To celebrate General Lafayette’s return to Chester during his bicentennial tour, Delaware County hosted an event at the 1724 Chester Courthouse and the Avenue of the States.
Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette was a French nobleman who volunteered to join the Continental Army under General Washington. On September 11, 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought on the fields of the Brandywine Valley at Chadds Ford, now in Chester and Delaware Counties. Although it was an American loss, the strategic retreat allowed General Washington to warn Congress of the British march on Philadelphia later that month. Lafayette was wounded in the leg on the field of battle, but he was able to retreat to Chester and prevent the British from entering the town. His wound was dressed in Chester and thus started his long-time connection to the town. Spilling his blood on American soil solidified his status as a hero. In 1824, Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe, who he had fought with during the Revolutionary War, to come visit the United States. He visited Chester on the night of October 5, 1824, arriving by boat from Philadelphia. He was greeted by the townspeople who lined the street from the docks with tall candles. He went to the place where his wound was dressed (location unconfirmed) and had dinner at 1 am in the Grand Jury Room of the Courthouse.
200 years later, the American Friends of Lafayette have organized a committee to commemorate this Farewell Tour of Lafayette to recreate his journey throughout the 13 months and 24 states he visited. More information about the Bicentennial tour is at lafayatte200.org.
On October 5, 2024, the Delaware County Planning Department, in partnership with other County departments, the City of Chester, American Friends of Lafayette, America250PADelco, and historical organizations, held an event to commemorate Lafayette’s return to Chester. He was greeted by visitors holding large ‘candles’, like they did in 1824, and several speeches were held in the Courthouse in his honor. Historical groups and vendors were along the street for the visitors to learn more about them or to purchase Lafayette-related memorabilia. County Council member Richard Womack, Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, and other special guests were in attendance.
Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Planning Department can assist in identifying zoning and regulatory information about specific parcels in Delaware County.
Most municipalities have zoning maps and district regulations on their individual websites or can provide copies to the public. Municipal officials will have the most current zoning information for their residents.
However, The Delaware County Data & Mapping Innovation Office provides the Delaware County Municipal Zoning application, an interactive map that provides zoning data from all 49 of its municipalities. It should be noted, overlay zoning districts must be turned on under the layers section to be viewed on the map. Lastly, documents may become outdated, as stated by the disclaimer page, it is always recommended to check with municipal officials.
Delaware County Planning Department provides the Delaware County Municipal Dashboard, which includes links to Municipal Plans, Zoning Ordinances, and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, as well as a brief overview of the municipality.
If you need to ensure you have the most recently adopted ordinance, we recommend you contact the municipality.
The Delaware County Real Estate Parcels & Tax Records System and Homestead Status is a great resource for finding a site’s owner, building information, and folio and map numbers.
Need assistance finding your parcel’s regulatory information? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Provider
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Application Deadline
Rolling Application
Summary
Each year, Pennsylvanians generate an estimated 25,000 tons of household hazardous waste such as pesticides, old paint, drain cleaners and pool chemicals. Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are those wastes produced in households that are hazardous in nature but are not regulated as hazardous waste under federal and state laws. These wastes, when not properly managed, can create environmental and public health hazards.
Act 190, Chapter 2, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Grant provides reimbursement (available for up to 50% of eligible costs) and technical assistance to registered sponsors of collection programs for household and small business hazardous waste, electronics, and tires (but not tire pile cleanups). The materials collected at these sites are then reused, recycled, and, when necessary, disposed of at hazardous waste facilities.
Counties, municipalities, non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses may apply for sponsorship of a collection program.
Common Eligible Projects
Eligible costs typically include collection, transportation and management of hazardous wastes, plus education programs. Consult the Application Instructions for additional eligible costs.
More Information
Provider
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Application Deadline
Rolling Application
Summary
Trees in cities and towns can help manage stormwater, control sediment erosion, and help reduce the impacts of extreme heat by cooling neighborhoods and reducing energy costs.
Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will contract directly with trusted tree-care professionals who will perform the work in eligible and approved communities. Municipalities, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups are encouraged to contact DCNR Urban and Community Forestry staff for assistance and to discuss the project before applying.
Projects must take place in public or community spaces like parks, street trees, cemeteries, and school grounds. Private property is not eligible for this program.
Small communities are encouraged to bundle projects and work together. Projects should range from $5,000 to $50,000 in total cost. Larger projects should consider applying for a DCNR Community and Watershed Forestry grant.
Common Eligible Projects
Eligible applicants can request help with:
- Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow
- Pruning and caring for existing trees to keep them healthy
- Inventorying trees and creating management plans
- Checking for tree hazards and making needed safety improvements
More Information
https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/get-help-with-trees-in-your-community
Provider
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Application Deadline
Revolving Loan Fund
Summary
The MORE Loan is a revolving loan fund to help local governments achieve their energy efficiency projects, small or large. These loans must be at least $5,000 and can have repayment terms of up to 7 years or the end of a project’s useful life. The MORE Loan offers below-market interest rates; however, MORE Grant recipients can buy down their interest rate to as low as 0%.
Eligible applicants for the MORE Program are Pennsylvania local governments that were not eligible for an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Eligible local government entities include counties, cities, boroughs, towns, townships, and municipal authorities.
MORE Loans will be administered by the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF). The MORE Loan application opened December 27, 2024. MORE Loans have no closing date and will be open for applicants after the MORE Grant application closes as long as funds are available. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to NEIF to discuss the process and interest rate options. For their contact and more information on how to apply, please visit NEIF’s website.
Borrowers must have a level 2 commercial energy audit and energy conservation measure project design/scope to apply for the loan.
Each local government borrower must provide NEIF with a copy of the proceedings submitted to, as well as the approval from, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) stating that the debt to be incurred by the borrower, or by any local government unit guaranteeing its debt, in connection with the project funding is approved under the Local Government Unit Debt Act (LGUDA), 53 Pa.C.S. § 8001 et seq. The loan cannot be closed without prior approval by DCED.
Priority applicants for the MORE Program in Delaware County include the City of Chester, Clifton Heights Borough, Collingdale Borough, Colwyn Borough, Darby Borough, East Lansdowne Borough, Linwood/Lower Chichester Township, Marcus Hook Borough, Millbourne Borough, Sharon Hill Borough, Trainer Borough, Upland Borough, and Yeadon Borough.
Common Eligible Projects
MORE Loans can be used for the following:
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Building retrofits
- On-site renewable energy generation projects (must be paired with energy efficiency measures to qualify)
More Information
Provider
PA Department of Environmental Protection – Small Business Ombudsman’s Office
Application Deadline
March 19, 2027, or until the funds are exhausted for this fiscal year, whichever occurs first
Summary
The Small Business Advantage Grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways.
Maximum grant award amounts will vary from up to $7,500 to up to $12,000, based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project location is in an Environmental Justice Area in Pennsylvania. Applicants can complete the grant calculator to estimate their potential grant award before applying.
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- A business, not an individual (except sole proprietorships),
- Pennsylvania-based,
- Registered to do business in Pennsylvania,
- A for-profit small business with 100 or fewer Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees worldwide for the applicant business and businesses under common ownership/management,
- Registered for an SAP Vendor Number, and
- Able to fully pay contractors prior to reimbursement
Common Eligible Projects
Energy efficiency or waste- or pollution-reduction projects.
To be eligible, projects must:
- Complete all project work during the project period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027,
- Save the small business applicant an annual minimum of $500.00 in energy or pollution expenses,
- Reduce annual energy or pollution related expenses by at least 20 percent, and
- Be one of these project types: Lighting, HVAC, Boilers and Furnaces, Refrigeration, Truck Retrofits, Medical X-Rays and Scanners, Natural Resource Protection (agricultural and non-agricultural), or Other
- Natural resource protection projects are exempt from financial savings requirements but must result in the reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or sediment waterway pollution for agricultural projects and other pollution prevention for non-agricultural projects.
More Information
Provider
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)
Application Deadline
October 28, 2026
Summary
PENNVEST is a financing authority that provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development.
PENNVEST focuses on two goals for the betterment of the Commonwealth - ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to clean water and supporting the Commonwealth's economic development. PENNVEST's low-cost financial assistance helps to make the water, consumed daily by thousands of Pennsylvanians, safe to drink. This funding is also a key component in the Commonwealth's efforts to purify rivers and streams, protecting the health of our citizens and natural resources. The projects funded by PENNVEST induce businesses to locate and expand their operations in Pennsylvania to create permanent, lucrative jobs for our workers
Common Eligible Projects
Projects eligible for funding include:
- Drinking water infrastructure
- Wastewater infrastructure
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Lead service line replacement
- Emerging contaminants/PFAS/PFOA remediation (Waste and Drinking Water)
- Agricultural Best Management Practices
- Green infrastructure
- Estuary revitalization
- Acid mine remediation
- Brownfield and Grayfield redevelopment
- Homeowner sewage