Annual Report 2016
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2016 Annual Summary of Subdivision,
Land Development, and Zoning Activity
2016 was another strong year for
as the county’s private development activity continued to remain
solid. Though the total submissions were less than the last few
years, they remained above the lowest post-recession years.
Apartment proposals continued to boost the total number of
proposed residential units. A total of 2,444 of the
3,805 housing units proposed in 2016 were multifamily
structures—most of which were located in large apartment
projects. Single-family attached units (primarily townhouses)
grew by 20 percent from 2015, while single-family detached
units declined 65 percent from 2015.
The total nonresidential development square footage proposed
was slightly higher than 2015. Commercial development,
including retail, comprised the largest share of nonresidential
development proposed, though office, industrial, and
institutional square footage did not lag too far behind. Of
particular note is the 26 percent growth in office square footage
from 2015. The 832,304 square feet of office space proposed
was the highest amount since the recession in 2008.
In 2016, 142 zoning revisions were submitted for review.
These consisted of changes to zoning maps, comprehensive
changes to local zoning ordinances, and minor amendments to
existing ordinances.
Single-family
attached units
grew by
20%
from 2015
New restaurant at the Village at Valley Forge – Upper Merion Township
New apartments – Upper Providence Township
