County of Adams

The Adams County Zoning Ordinance is currently applied in:

Butler Township, Menallen Township, & Germany Township

 The Office of Planning & Development also provides zoning ordinance enforcement to the following municipalities:

New Oxford Borough, East Berlin Borough, & Abbottstown Borough.

Anyone proposing a new structure, building addition, sign, and/ or change in the use of a property in Butler, Menallen, or Germany Townships must apply for and receive an Adams County Zoning Permit. Permitting services have been contracted out to Land & Sea Services. Please contact Land and Sea Services for more information at 677-7356.

To request the zoning of a property in Butler, Menallen, or Germany Township or for general questions pertaining to the Adams County Zoning Ordinance, contact the Planning Office at 337-9824.

In accordance with applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), the Adams County Commissioners have appointed an Adams County Zoning Hearing Board.  The Board hears requests for variances, special exceptions, appeals of the determination of the Zoning Officer, and other requests as authorized under the MPC.  The Board meets on an “as needed” basis following receipt of a completed Application for Hearing.  The members of the Adams County Zoning Hearing Board are:

Fran Lorenzo

Genievive Wasuta

Dorothy Carson

Adams County Zoning Hearing Board Application

ACOPD provides zoning ordinance enforcement services to New Oxford Borough, East Berlin Borough, and Abbottstown Borough in accordance with a Community Assistance Planning Program (CAPP) Contract between the municipality and Adams County.  All persons proposing new structures, building additions, signs, and changes in use of a property in these Boroughs must apply for and receive a New Oxford Borough Zoning Permit, East Berlin Zoning Permit or an Abbottstown Zoning Permit. 

Zoning Permits and related enforcement procedures are subject to the municipality's Fee Schedule.  

East Berlin Zoning Ordinance Fee Schedule 

Abbottstown Zoning Ordinance Fee Schedule  

In accordance with applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the New Oxford Borough Council, East Berlin Borough Council, & Abbottstown Borough Council has appointed a Borough Zoning Hearing Board.  The Board hears requests for variances, special exceptions, appeals of the determination of the Zoning Officer, and other requests as authorized under the MPC.  The Board meets on an “as needed” basis following receipt of a completed Application for Hearing.

New Oxford Zoning Hearing Board Application

East Berlin Zoning Hearing Board Application

Abbottstown Zoning Hearing Board Application