The March 10th meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Kline at 7:00 PM.
In attendance for the planning commission were Chair Kline, Vice Chair McCuen and Members Hibbs, Gallagher & Smith. In attendance from Borough Staff were Borough Manager Hegele, Borough Planner Reilly and from the County, Planner Mosby. Planner Miklos was absent.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Kline.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Motion was made by Vice Chair McCuen to approve the February 10th, 2026, minutes, the motion was seconded by Member Smith, will all in favor. Motion passed 5-0.
REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS FROM FEBRUARY MEETING:
• AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR USE: Added “Gasoline Filling Station” and uses in the IN, LMX proposed district. County is recommending adding Automotive Repair Shop as a permitted use in the LMX district, so it is permitted in both Industrial Districts, matching the proposed gas station and associated mini-mart convenience store uses, similar to Wawa. County also recommends revising the proposed zoning map to designate the two parcels at the corners of York & County Line as LMX vs YC.
Motion was made by Member Smith and seconded by Member Hibbs to recommend approval of the above proposed revisions to the draft zoning ordinance, all in favor. Motion passed 5-0.
• PART 20: OFF STREET PARKING & LOADING: County has reviewed existing parking ordinance in place which was adopted in November 2018. The County is proposing a few changes to this part to adjust it to the proposed zoning districts and the Borough’s Land Use Plan. The proposed changes are under 27-2002 Residential Uses and removal of Section 27-408 (1)(B)(6) as this is obsolete due to prior changes. County also proposes and reviewed parking requirements under mixed use development and has proposed to match the parking in the TC-1 District. This includes multifamily mixed-use studio 1.25, 1 bedroom 1.5, 2 bedrooms 1.5 and 3 plus bedroom 2 spots. Section 27-2009 parking reductions currently apply to the existing RD-1, RC-2, and O Districts. County is recommending applying the same provisions to the proposed TC-1, TC-2, YC, and CMX Districts. Planner Mosby explained that parking standards need to change and come down to adapt to and keep up with the changing Borough.
Resident Amy Haigler, N. York Road asked if the reduced parking was just for business. Planner Mosby explained that these were for residential; businesses already have a discount in the ordinance based on address and proximity to train station and other benefits.
Planner Mosby stated that he and Planner Miklos recommend reducing. There was a discussion about future development, Gamburg’s in particular, and if parking was changed would that not protect the Borough. Gamburg’s if developed is in a district that is mixed use and would have to meet parking requirements for both residential and commercial as well as whatever may be proposed in the retail commercial, each use has different parking for business again depending on type of business. They would get discounts for parking due to proximity of train station as well.
Motion was made by Member Smith and seconded by Vice Chair McCuen to recommend approval of the proposed Part 20: Off-Street Parking and Loading and Outdoor Storage Areas, all in favor. Motion passed 5-0.
• FENCES & WALLS: Planner Mosby stated that the current ordinance in place is exactly one paragraph. County is recommending that the current language not be changed, but definitions need to be included as well as more information online of sight, which Manager Hegele stated many do not understand or question. Planner Mosby stated that in addition to these, the zoning should include hedges, electric fences, maintenance, and installation standards be included. Planner Mosby discussed walls and used an example from the former TD Bank that had hedges, a wall and then a fence atop the wall. He stated that sometimes this is done as a screening tool for parking. There was a question about why a fence be higher than a wall. It was agreed by the Planning Commission that the County Planners review and come back with more information at the April meeting so they can review and then recommend.
• FOLLOW UP: GROUND FLOOR WINDOW TRANSPARENCY AND BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS: Planner Mosby stated provisions have been added establishing requirements for ground floor facade window area and building design in TC-1. The standards are also included in the TC-2 District and the JC District. They include Building facades greater than 75 feet shall contain vertical building breaks of no less than 3 feet.
Primary ground floor facades shall be comprised of a minimum of 60 percent clear window area, with windows providing vies of display areas or the inside of the building.
• FOLLOW UP: ANIMALS REGULATIONS REFERENCE: Planner Mosby indicated a note has been added to 27-421 Keeping of Domestic and Wild Animals, see Chapter 2: Animals for additional regulations.
• DATA CENTER UPDATE: Planner Mosby, Vice Chair McCuen, Manager Hegele and Planner Reilly all attended a presentation earlier today on Data Centers. Planner Mosby stated this is coming, and the Borough needs to be prepared and ready. While currently it is being reported as being in larger locations, but it has been noted that it could be smaller. Member Smith asked where something like this could go; use could be under manufacturing? Planner Mosby stated it could be allowed in Industrial, by conditional use? He mentioned that data center consumption has been reported as mind blowing, and it is the time to put protections in place to protect the Borough. The County is working on this for many municipalities and the Planning Commission agreed this should be included in the zoning re-write.
SIGN ORDINANCE: This matter was moved to the April agenda for review and discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Amy Haigler, N. York Road asked if street trees and shrubs would be removed. Planner Mosby responded that this is for obstructions that hedges and shrubs create at times. It is not intended to remove street trees and shrubs. Ms. Haigler also discussed recent snow and removal efforts that she faced while shoveling her sidewalk along a state road.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
ADJOURNMENT: The March 10th meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned by Chair Kline at 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane C. Hegele
Borough Manager/Secretary