The Feb. 5 workshop meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission involved further discussion of the drafted zoning ordinance. The discussion began with the highway enterprise zone.

The highway enterprise zone would focus on high performance specialty manufacturing. Planning commissioners talked about wanting to bring in a group of industrial properties into the zone.

There was a debate over allowing accessory dwelling units in the zone. It was explained that some properties, such as storage locker facilities, would want an accessory dwelling unit so there would be someone on the property at all times. The planning commission wanted to make sure residents didn’t abuse this use so they could rent out dwellings on their property.

During the meeting, a decision was made that there is no minimum lot area for a public utility structure. There was a discussion about medical marijuana dispensaries and whether they should be allowed as a conditional use. It was argued dispensaries are highly regulated and could be a smart decision for the future.

The planning commission wanted to bring in additional entertainment properties into the highway enterprise zone, such as mini golf, a driving range, or batting cages. They feel there should be something additional in the area for people who come to Dorney Park for multiple days.

Vice Chairman Maury Robert talked about wanting to add a road near the Stabler Trust property. The road would be put in as the two properties are developed. Roberts argued the project would add land value and create a secondary access point to the properties. It was suggested the road be added to the official township map.

Next the planning commission discussed the Orlic industrial zone. There were standards in the zone concerning raw materials or wastes that are hazardous. It was questioned if these standards should be general regulations for all zones. The planning commission decided to make the standards general regulations.

The planning commission also talked about environmental protection regulations. There was a discussion about the preservation of trees and forests as well as the process for removing trees in a residential property. The planning commission said properties should be designed around the mature trees instead of getting rid of them.

If someone moves onto a wooded lot they would have to replace any trees they cut down to build their home. A suggestion was made that a tree could be donated or people could pay a $300 fine per tree if there is sufficient room on their property. The planning commission said property developers should focus on preserving existing trees.

The planning commission also discussed wetlands during the meeting. There was a fishing and water access clearance of 6 feet; it was questioned if the clearance should larger. It was increased to 8 feet.

There was a discussion about historic structure protection. The project allows for adaptive reuse for uses such as a low impact office or business. The goal would be to promote adaptive reuse. The planning commission wanted applicants to go before the board of commissioners. It was debated whether adaptive reuse would be a conditional use or a special exception. Adaptive reuse was kept as a conditional use.

The planning commission discussed zoning map boundaries. There were some houses zoned commercial in the township. It was debated if the houses should be zoned urban or highway commercial.

There was a discussion about the mixed use and commercial zone. A suggestion was made to zone the area urban that would allow housing and minimum commercial uses. It was questioned if offices would be allowed in the urban zone. The planning commission was trying to prevent new commercial areas and reuse current available commercial areas.

The next Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission meeting will be Feb. 19. Usually the planning commission meets the second Tuesday of every month and occasionally there is a workshop meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. Meetings take place 7 p.m. and are in the township municipal building.