Sustainable Homeowners Associations
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The Chester County Planning Commission worked with local conservation organizations to develop a template HOAs can use to create their own Sustainability Action Plan. A full menu of options included in the plan can be found in the Action Menu spreadsheet below. HOAs can use this Menu to select the actions they'd like to take on and can then use the Microsoft Word templates to delete out all the other actions, leaving an easily customizable template.
HOAs needing more guidance should contact sObfuscationustainability@Obfuscationchesco.org to discuss their ideas and questions.
Use this excel file to view the sustainable actions HOAs can take and choose which ones your community would like to take on. View the Action Menu.
The Chester County Planning Commission created a template your HOA can use to create a Sustainability Action Plan. The plan is divided up into several chapters that each contain actions related to a specific topic. Each chapter can be downloaded and edited separately. Simply delete the actions from each chapter your HOA is not planning to work on.
There are countless resources produced by various organizations related to adopting sustainable practices. The Chester County Planning Commission, along with our partners, has curated a list of the information, guides, partners, and funding resources most relevant to Chester County HOAs. If you have questions or need help getting started, contact sObfuscationustainability@Obfuscationchesco.org.
SolarSolar power is not only a great option to save money, but it also helps households reduce their carbon footprint. Learn More
Riparian BuffersRiparian buffers are vegetated areas consisting of trees, shrubs and meadows adjacent to a pond, lake, stream, creek, river, or wetland. Learn More
Lawn ConversionHOAs often own open spaces with large mowed lawn areas that could be converted to meadows to save money on mowing contracts and improve water quality and wildlife habitats. Learn More
Forest and Meadow StewardshipForests and meadows are crucial for sustaining wildlife, preventing erosion, preserving water quality, sequestering carbon, and much more. Learn More
De-IcersAlthough necessary for safety, many popular methods of ice removal, such as the use of rock salt, can have harmful effects on the environment when they make their way into the soil and nearby streams through runoff from snowmelt. Learn More
Fertilizers and PesticidesAlthough the use of fertilizers and pesticides to maintain lawns and landscaping at HOAs has become the status quo, some of these methods can be dangerous to people, pets, and the surrounding environment. Learn More
Stormwater ManagementStormwater management is a big concern for a lot of neighborhoods. Many HOAs own and are responsible for stormwater infrastructure including detention, retention, and infiltration basins, rain gardens, bioswales and other practices. Learn More
Community GardensAdding a community garden to a shared open area is a fantastic way to not only connect with your neighbors, but to grow local, healthy food. Learn More
Historic PreservationMany developments were built upon land that was formerly farm or other use, and the historic structures still remain. These structures can both enhance the community's sense of place and can serve as an amenity for community members and potentially the public. Learn More
Trails and Multi-Modal ConnectivityProximity to trails and general walkability — both within a neighborhood and to nearby destinations, is increasingly becoming a sought-after amenity that increases property values. When residents are able to walk or bike to school, work, or other common destinations, it encourages a healthier lifestyle and reduced reliance on traveling by car. Learn More
In 2023-2024 the Chester County Planning Commission issued two surveys — one for board members and contracted management companies of home owners' associations, and one for residents of communities with homeowners associations — to gauge levels of support for a variety of sustainable practices and to better understand the barriers to adopting sustainable practices. Overall there were 123 responses to the survey for Board Members, representing 101 different HOA communities, and 802 responses from residents, representing 317 different HOA communities. View the summary of findings from both surveys.
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