The offices of Lower Paxton Township's Community Development Department are located in the Township Municipal Center.

The regulation of land development and building construction is an important function of a municipal government.  This is especially true in a community, like Lower Paxton Township,  that is experiencing growth in both its residential and commercial markets.  As such, the Township possesses a Community Development Department responsible for building construction activities, land use and zoning regulations, and subdivision and land development activities.

To address community planning needs the Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the Planning Commission, has adopted and maintains a Comprehensive Plan.  This plan and its amendments have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.  In addition, the Board of Supervisors has required that this plan include an in-depth evaluation of existing and future transportation needs, providing recommendations for the betterment of our roadway network.

Lower Paxton Township's Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide to the future growth of our community.  The most recent edition of this plan was adopted in 2003.  The Comprehensive Plan serves as the framework upon which future updates to zoning, subdivision, land development, and similar regulations and policies are based.

The use of land within the Township must comply with a Zoning Ordinance, developed in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.  The Zoning Ordinance specifically identifies uses of land and the districts within which these uses are permitted.  Zoning districts are geographically plotted, based upon municipal needs, on the official map of the Township.  The Zoning Ordinance also contains provisions for variance of its specific terms and conditions based upon a hardship running with the land which has not been created by the property owner.

Zoning variance applications are heard by the Township's Zoning Hearing Board.  This Board is a five member, quasi-judicial body appointed by the Board of Supervisors.  The Zoning Hearing Board also hears appeals and renders decisions on permit applications which have been denied by a codes enforcement officer.

The development of land within Lower Paxton Township is regulated by Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.  These regulations contain design standards for public and private improvements to serve new development.  Included within these regulations are standards for street design and construction; utilities, such as water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, electricity, natural gas, telephone, cable television, etc.; the layout of lots or parcels of land; the protection of the environment, including wetlands, flood plains, soil erosion and sedimentation control, storm water management, steep slopes, etc.; the mitigation of traffic impacts; and financial security to guarantee the installation of public improvements to the Township.

The Lower Paxton Township Planning Commission assists the Board of Supervisors in its review of subdivision and land development plans.  This seven member body is required to review and recommend action on all land use, subdivision, and land development proposals presented to the Township, as well as items that affect or change the Comprehensive Plan.