Whitemarsh Township Residents Association 
Smart Land Use and Development Principles

The WTRA believes that for a development project to meet the Township's standards for smart growth and maximum open space preservation, it must incorporate the following principles.

1. THE DEVELOPMENT PRECEDENT PRINCIPLE
A project seeking zoning variance must not set a precedent for subsequent development proposals that will adversely affect the Whitemarsh community.

2. THE QUALITY OF LIFE PRINCIPLE
The nature or intensity of a development project must not cause the deterioration beyond present states of any element of the Township's infrastructure, natural environment or historic resources.

3. THE PUBLIC GOOD PRINCIPLE
A proposed development must demonstrate that it comports with the Comprehensive Plan of Whitemarsh Township, which is intended to reflect sound land use principles.

4. THE PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACE PRINCIPLE
A proposed development must, at a minimum, demonstrate compliance with relevant open space requirements set forth in the Township's zoning and subdivision codes. However, developers should be encouraged, and if permissible, required, to go beyond the minimum requirements in order to realize the maximum amount of open space in the design of a project.

5. THE 'SMART GROWTH' PRINCIPLE
A proposed development must conduct a cost-benefits assessment that takes into consideration not only the impact of the proposed project on the immediate surrounding area but on the growth and development of the entire township, as well as that of contiguous townships and municipalities.