According to Zeigler, the planning commission members voted not to recommend Snowberger's project to the supervisors because they want to keep his land in agriculture.
Zeigler also said several people raised objections to the project at a meeting earlier this week.
Snowberger's property abuts the former Hollengreen farm, which lies within the Borough of Waynesboro.
Borough officials are considering a proposal by a Chambersburg developer to build more than 800 townhouses on 110 acres of the former Hollengreen Farm property. That tract borders Pa. 997 and Welty Road. It also abuts property owned by the Waynesboro Area School District.
Zeigler said the Washington Township Planning Commission members feel that what happens in the borough should have no bearing on their decision.
Township ordinances allow two-acre zoning on land zoned agricultural.
Snowberger said he would build up to eight single-family homes on his property if his request for R-1 zoning is denied by the supervisors - a move that would take the land out of farming.
Snowberger said he could build up to 35 single-family homes if his land is rezoned to R-1.
Snowberger's land also bumps up against 60 acres recently purchased by the Otterbein United Brethren Church of Christ in Waynesboro.
Church officials have said they want the land to one day build a new church complex.