New Rural Center Landscapes Design Guide Released
Posted December 9, 2022
We are excited to share that the Chester County Planning Commission recently released its fourth design guide in a series of six to be published to help implement the goals of Landscapes3. This new guide supports the planning principles and design elements for new development in the county's Rural Center landscapes!
As noted in the guide, the vision for each of the county's six Rural Center landscapes is a traditional rural village which is allowed to expand over time to contain a mix of housing, local commercial, and institutional uses that serve the surrounding rural and agricultural areas. The focus is to show how this vision can occur where new development is most likely to occur — underutilized developed land, villages with expansion or rehabilitation potential, infill sites that interconnect business areas, and undeveloped land close to public utilities.
This guide is intended for use by developers, design professionals, community members, municipal attorneys, elected officials, administrative staff, engineers, planners, businesses, county planning commission members and staff, and the public — as each plays an important role in ensuring that new development fits within its context and contributes to the livability of Rural Center landscapes.
Previously released design guides include the county's other three growth area designations: Urban Center Landscapes Design Guide (2020), Suburban Center Landscapes Design Guide (2021), and Suburban Landscapes Design Guides (2021). Each guide includes recommended planning polices, design treatments (for building character, site amenities, and transportation), regulatory strategies, and links to online resources.