Chester Pike Corridor Master Plan
Date Published: December 2022
View PDF File [24.6mb]
Abstract: The Chester Pike Corridor Master Plan was prepared by the Delaware County Planning Department for the five boroughs of Sharon Hill, Glenolden, Norwood, Prospect Park and Ridley Park. The plan provides a vision for the Corridor and recommendations for the revitalization of the portion of Chester Pike through the five boroughs.
Geographic Area: Sharon Hill, Glenolden, Norwood, Prospect Park, and Ridley Park Boroughs
For more information or to order this report, contact the Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Central Places Model Zoning Ordinance
Date Published: February 2018
View PDF File [11mb]
View Executive Summary [0.1mb]
Editable Ordinance Text [Microsoft Word Document]
Abstract:
The Central Places Model Zoning Ordinance provides a guide to contemporary zoning principles and best practices that may be applied to the Central Places as noted in Delaware County 2035. It defines the basic design elements of Central Places and provides an annotated model zoning ordinance to address these features.
Geographic Area:
Countywide
For more information or to order this report, contact the Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us
Activity Corridors Model Zoning Ordinance
Date Published: January 2019
View PDF File [6.8mb]
View Executive Summary [0.3mb]
Editable Ordinance Text [Microsoft Word Document]
Abstract:
The Activity Corridors Model Zoning Ordinance provides a guide to contemporary zoning principles and best practices that may be applied to the Activity Corridors as noted in Delaware County 2035. It defines the basic design elements of Activity corridors and provides an annotated model zoning ordinance to address these features.
Geographic Area:
Countywide
For more information or to order this report, contact the Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Historic Preservation Directory of Trades and Services
Date Published: October 2024
View PDF File [18.4mb]
Abstract:
This is a compilation of trades and services that work on historic buildings within Delaware County and the surrounding areas. Paper copies were distributed at the 2018 Heritage Commission Seminar on Maintaining Historic Buildings. The Commission encourages the preservation of buildings and hopes that this directory will be useful to those homeowners and managers of historic buildings that are undertaking restorations and renovations. All entries in the directory volunteered to be included and users of the directory are encouraged to read and understand the disclaimer inside.
Geographic Area:
Delaware County
For more information or to order this report, contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Public History Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan
Date Published: February 2011
View PDF File [2.1mb]
Abstract: In 2009, the Delaware County Planning Department retained Heritage Consulting Inc. to undertake a year-long project called the Delaware County Public History Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan. The goal of the project was to determine how to best remedy the underutilized nature of historical organizations throughout the County and determine how these entities can better cooperate and coordinate efforts. One of the recommendations was the creation of a consortium of historical organizations that would work towards implementing the other recommendations of the Study through a grassroots effort. This led to the creation of the Delaware County Historic and Preservation Network.
Geographic Area: Countywide
Questions about Department Publications? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Making historic buildings and programs accessible to all
Date Published: July 2025
View PDF File [28.4mb]
Abstract: The Delaware County Planning Department led a multi-year project to assist local historic sites open to the public become more accessible to all visitors in anticipation of America250 in 2026. The document includes the 2010 American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines, Delaware County examples, an audit of 27 historic sites, and resources for further information.
On June 30, 2025, a presentation of the document and the project was given to local historical groups that participated in the project. The video is available here and the slides are available here.
Geographic Area:
County-wide
For more information or to order this report, contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Design Guidelines: A Template for Municipalities
Date Published: 2012
View PDF File [6.1mb]
Abstract: This is meant as a template that can be divided and adapted to fit local needs based on the categories of rehabilitation, streetscape, new construction, and infill. This organization allows the public to choose what types of features are primarily found in the area the guidelines are covering. Delaware County Planning Department encourages the use of all or part of this document to inform municipal approaches to maintaining an area’s historic character. If using any or part of this document, please include a reference to “Delaware County Design Guidelines: A Template for Municipalities” by Delaware County Planning Department.
Geographic Area:
Countywide
Questions about Department Publications? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Connectivity Ranking
Date Published: October 2016
View PDF File [4mb]
Abstract: The Primary Trail Network is a countywide system of multi-use trails identified to connect recreational and cultural hubs across the County. The connectivity ranking, which measures the amount of connections a trail provides, emphasizes links between people and places. Trails are assigned a “connectivity ranking” based on proximity to people, schools, shopping, jobs, transit, and other criteria. This tool will help communities decide the most effective and impactful trail segments to pursue. The connectivity ranking process was not intended to create a list of set priorities; rather, it is objective data that can be used in conjunction with intangible information, such as community support, to inform planning and implementation efforts. This project is an implementation effort of the Open Space, Recreation, and Greenway Plan which is a component of the County’s comprehensive plan – Delaware County 2035.
Geographic Area: Countywide
Questions about Department Publications? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Darby Creek Trail Phase 2 Feasibility Study
Date Published: July 2022
View PDF File [29.8 mb]
Abstract: The Darby Creek Trail Phase 2 Feasibility Study examined the possible alignments for a multi-use trail along Darby Creek from the endpoint of the existing trail in Kent County Park in Upper Darby Township and connecting to another existing trail south of the Baltimore Avenue / Scottdale Road intersection in Lansdowne. The report includes the results of property and right-of-way research, identified constraints and opportunities, traffic and safety impacts, environmental and other permitting requirements, and concept plans, narrative analyses, and cost estimates for five trail concept alternatives.
Geographic Area: Clifton Heights Borough, Upper Darby Township, Lansdowne Borough
For more information or to order this report, contact the Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
Date Published: August 3, 2016
View PDF File [1.0mb]
Abstract: The principal purpose of the Delaware County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) is to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents of the County. This document establishes reasonable standards of design and procedures for the orderly layout and development of land. The current 2016 County Ordinance is the governing subdivision and land development document for 21 of the County’s 49 municipalities. The August 3, 2016 adoption of this document replaced the previous 1981 SALDO.
The Appendices of this SALDO can be downloaded individually:
Subdivision and/or Land Development Agreement (MS Word); A user guide for SALDO Agreement (PDF)
Sketch Plan Checklist (PDF)
Preliminary Plan Checklist (PDF)
Final Plan Checklist (PDF)
Minor Subdivision and/or Land Development Checklist (PDF)
A one-page guide for the new SALDO can be found here, which provides an overview of the subdivision and land development process and outlines the new Ordinance. Planning Department staff are available to present on the SALDO by contacting us at the information below.
Geographic Area: Countywide (unless a local SALDO has been enacted)
For more information or to order this report, contact the Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.