Will Kennett Square’s Vague Rules Destroy Rural Charm Overnight?

Kennett Square's rural charm is what pulls people here. But the township's zoning code has some loose spots that developers are already testing, and if nothing changes, big shifts could happen fast with little pushback from locals.

The trouble spots are mainly in the rural preservation zones. The code throws around terms like "agricultural uses" and "accessory structures" without nailing down exact definitions, size limits, height caps, or density rules. A handful of recent proposals have already pushed those edges: big event barns, clustered housing labeled as "farm worker housing," and mixed-use ideas stretching "agricultural support" into retail or office space. Since the wording is vague, the zoning hearing board or supervisors can green-light things that don't really match the goal of protecting open space.

People are concerned about a few things in particular:

One loophole allows "agritourism" setups to add buildings or parking without full subdivision review as long as it's tied to farming. A large event venue with hundreds of parking spots can slip in as "accessory to agriculture" even if the farm operation is small or basically a front. Once it's approved, it's tough to undo.

Another gray area is density bonuses for "conservation subdivisions." The code lets developers cluster homes to preserve open space, but the bonus can end up allowing more lots than standard zoning would, especially if the "saved" land is low-quality, wet, or flood-prone. A 50-acre piece could turn into 30 homes instead of 10-15.

Its the precedent. If one big project slips through on loose interpretation, more will follow. Kennett's rural zones sit right next to growing spots like Unionville and Pocopson. Developers are already eyeing these for "value-add" land that can be rezoned or read flexibly.

The township knows about it. Supervisors have discussed tightening definitions at recent meetings, but no changes have passed yet. Residents are pushing for clearer rules: hard caps on accessory building sizes, stricter definitions of "agricultural support," checks on the quality of preserved open space, and limits on event traffic in rural areas.

For buyers and sellers right now, this isn't just background noise. If you're eyeing rural properties, check the zoning district and look at recent approvals nearby—vague rules can mean unexpected neighbors or lost views down the road. If you're selling land or a home in RP/RA zones, the uncertainty can turn off some buyers, but it also opens doors for those who see development potential.

Kennett Square's rural look isn't gone yet, but the zoning code has holes big enough for major changes to go through. If the township doesn't tighten things up soon, the postcard views could disappear quicker than most people expect.

Let’s move Pennsylvania forward.