The Planning Department of Dover Township plays a crucial role in guiding the growth and development of the Township. It is responsible for creating and implementing zoning regulations, land use plans, and subdivision regulations. The department ensures that new development aligns with the Township’s long-term vision while considering environmental and community impact. Additionally, the Planning Department often collaborates with other government agencies and community stakeholders to address various planning and development issues.
The Planning Director handles the administration of the Township Zoning Regulations. Zoning determines what types of uses are permitted to be built on a given property. It also sets the size of the lot, lot coverage, and location of buildings on your property, among other items. You should contact our Planning Director if you have any questions or concerns about your area’s zoning regulations, land use plans, or subdivision regulations. A list of other frequent questions, issues, and resources are provided below.
To determine the Zoning District of your property, please click on the image below:
Full Size Interactive Zoning Map
(The interactive zoning map is for informational purposes only)
Full Size Interactive WHPA Map
(The interactive WHPA map is for informational purposes only)
Planning Documents
Dover Implementable Comprehensive Plan – 2020
Growth Management & Comprehensive Plan – 2008
Dover Township/Borough Joint Recreation Plan – 2023
- To answer questions about what types of use or structures can be located on the property
Code of Ordinances
(The link above redirects you away from the Dover Township website and forwards you to a website hosted and maintained by American Legal)
- To be placed in the Township’s Agricultural Security Zone or to inquire about the Agricultural Security Program
Agricultural Security Application
- To learn more about Dover’s Agricultural Heritage and it’s role in our community planning, click here.
- To ask questions about or file a request for a variance or a special exception to the Zoning Ordinance regulations. Hearings are conducted before the Dover Township Zoning Hearing Board
- To inquire about your options in subdividing your land into more than one parcel through the Township Subdivision and Land Development Process
- For information from Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (PHRC) about the typical development process in PA, click here.
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances
(The link above redirects you away from the Dover Township website and forwards you to a website hosted and maintained by American Legal)
- To learn about operating a home occupation business from your residential property
- To learn about where in Dover Township you can locate your business
- To report a property that is not in compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance, including…
- Neighbors operating a business without permission
- Camper/RV Parking
- Utility trailer parking
- Tractor Trailer parking in a Residential Zone
- Too many pets
- Farm Animals on a Residential Property
Other Agencies to Contact:
Complaints involving noise, ATV/Dirt Bikes and Barking Dogs should all be directed to the Northern York County Regional Police Department for enforcement.
Open Burning complaints should be directed to the County 911 System.
Questions and concerns involving Agricultural Land Preservation should be directed to York County Agricultural Land Preservation Program at (717) 840-7400.
The Agricultural Clean and Green Program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Their phone number is (717)-787-4737.
Agricultural odor complaints should be directed to the York County Conservation District at (717) 840-7430.
Dover Township does not get involved in Landlord/Tenant disputes.