Wednesday
September 18, 2024 
There are new regulations on riding academies, liveries and boarding stables in Wrightstown, Upper Makefield and Newtown townships.
The boards of supervisors in the three neighboring municipalities all recently approved amendments to the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance regarding horse-riding destinations. The three townships collaborate through a jointure to control zoning within their borders.
In particular, the rules call for an increased minimum lot size to operate a riding academy, livery or boarding stable — no less than 10 acres — more parking spaces, and some other measures.
Officials said the new regulations were developed to address concerns from neighbors who live — or may one day live — near riding academies, stables or liveries.
Other requirements include that the horse operation’s owner or a full-time employee must reside on the property. On sites of less than 15 acres, no more than one horse per acre is permitted.
Horse shows will be permitted by special municipally approved exception only. Attendance for such events will be limited by the number of on-site and off-street parking spaces, the ordinance says.
Perhaps particularly notable for neighbors, manure storage and disposal facilities must be situated at least 200 feet from property lines.
“The owner shall take all steps necessary and permissible to prevent the flies and other insects or vectors from breeding and creating a nuisance to adjacent properties,” the ordinance states.
No less than one off-street parking space must be provided for every three people present at a riding academy, boarding stable or livery when the facilities are used to capacity. Also, a minimum of one off-street parking space of 10’ x 60’ must exist for every five horse stalls.
The regulations are now in effect.
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