Organization
Township of Lower Merion
Location
Ardmore, PA
RFP Number
#16-30
Overview
The Township of Lower Merion invites qualified and experienced professionals to submit both Technical and Cost Proposals to provide Professional Planning & Code Analysis Services for the Comprehensive Update to the Zoning Code & Subdivision Regulations. The Township seeks to implement the land use recommendations of the Township’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan by creating an innovative and integrated zoning code incorporating Traditional Neighborhood Development and Smart Growth principles.
The existing code includes 26 individual districts and five (5) overlays, including 10 residence districts, 11 commercial/mixed-use districts, one manufacturing/mixed-use district and four medical districts. Overlays include regulations to address floodplains, open space and historic resources. This township-wide rezoning project is the largest planning initiative recently undertaken by the community and it is the direct result of a multi-year, community driven, comprehensive planning process.
The new zoning code may use and/or adapt appropriate elements from the existing code. However, it must create a comprehensive set of land use rules for the 21st century so that it can advance the vision and achieve the goals presented in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
Contract Term:
Lower Merion Township will enter into a contract (likely two years with an option for a one- year extension) with the successful consultant to rewrite the zoning code in accordance with the Scope of Work detailed below. The contract will also cover additional work that may be required to assist during the implementation process.
Key Deliverables:
- New Zoning Code
- New Zoning Map
- A concise, clear equivalency tool, and other appropriate informational/educational material.
Important Dates:
Proposal submittal, review, and selection will follow the schedule outlined below.
- September 14, 2016 @ 9:30 a.m. – An optional pre-proposal conference for interested consultants to be held in the 2nd Floor Board Room of the Township Administration Building, 75 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA. See page 13 for further details.
- October 21, 2016 @ 4:30 p.m. – Deadline to submit questions concerning the RFP. All questions must be in writing. Questions and answers will be shared with all interested parties and posted on the project’s webpage.
- October 28, 2016 @ 4:30 p.m. - Submission deadline.
- December 21, 2016 (Tentative) – Project award. The Board of Commissioners’ Building and Planning Committee will discuss awarding the contract, Wednesday, December 14, 2016 @ approximately 7:30 p.m. Their recommendation is forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for a final decision. The Board’s regular business meeting is on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, beginning @ approximately 7:30 p.m. These dates are tentative and may shift.
Contact
Christopher Leswing, P.P., A.I.C.P.
Lower Merion Township, Building & Planning Department
75 E. Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003
Phone: (610) 645-6116
LMTrezoning@lowermerion.org
