430 Gaul Rd, Reading, PA 19608

Rural Conservation District

It is the purpose of this district to maintain the rural character of an area containing woodlands, farmland, and very low density residential development. Low density single family development is permitted depending upon site characteristics.; To conserve open land, including those areas containing unique and sensitive natural features such as woodlands, steep slopes, streams, floodplains and wetlands, by setting them aside from development.; To provide greater design flexibility and efficiency in the siting of services and infrastructure, including the opportunity to reduce length of roads, utility runs, and the amount of paving required for residential development; To reduce erosion and sedimentation by the retention of existing vegetation, and the minimization of development on steep slopes; To provide for a variety of lotting opportunities; To implement adopted municipal policies to conserve a variety ofirreplaceable and environmentally sensitive resource lands as set forth in the Comprehensive Plan; To protect areas ofthe municipality with productive agricultural soils for continued or future agricultural use, by conserving blocks of land large enough to allow for efficient farm operations; To create neighborhoods with direct visual access to open land, with amenities in the form ofneighborhood open space; To provide for the conservation and maintenance of open land within the municipality to achieve the above-mentioned goals and for active or passive recreational use by residents