PRESENT –Chairperson Kline, Member Smith, Member Blickley, Member Hibbs, Borough Planner Kennedy, and County Planner Miklos were present.
CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Kline called the November 12, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting to order at 6:58 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Vice Chair Kline led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 8, 2024, MEETING MINUTES – Member Hibbs made a motion to approve the October 8, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Member Smith, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0.
ANNOUNCEMENT: SUNSHINE LAW TRAINING – Chairperson Kline announced that the Planning Commission was sent a link on November 1st for Sunshine Law Training on November 27th at 10:00 A.M. for any members who are interested and the PC confirmed they all received the link.
R1 PRESENTION AND DISCUSSION –
Chair Kline stated that last month the PC reviewed R1 and some R2. Planner Miklos stated that we reviewed R1 and identified two issues in which clarification was needed regarding ADU’s and side setbacks. Chair Kline asked our options regarding ADU’s and Planner Miklos reviewed the options which 1) are by right (draw proposal, borough staff checks compliance, then goes to the PC and Borough Council for approval, 2) Special Exception (ZHB Hearing – their decision), 30 Conditional Use – Planning Commission and Borough Councill approval) and stated it can only be family, By Right makes it easier for the applicant and Borough, and it is enforceable and clear to everyone on both sides. The Planning Commission all agreed that their concern is a lot of rental properties would show up and asked what the best way would be to go. Planner Kennedy stated that By Right would be the best way because it is easier for the applicant. Chai Kline stated that she thinks they will need an extra parking spot for the ADU and asked if we could continue the ADU discussion next time. Planner Miklos stated that next time he will
continue ADU discussion with proposed language, restrictions, and zoning requirements.
Planner Miklos stated that there was also a question about minimum front yard setbacks regarding vacant and corner lots and he proposes using the default setback of 25 feet but can go as close as 10. Member Blickley stated that last month we talked about a minimum setback of 15 feet, for example so that no one can go closer than that and Chair Kline stated that having a minimum would prevent the houses looking uneven. Planner Miklos stated that he will evaluate the minimum setback proposal and Member Blickley stated that he doesn’t understand Planner Miklos’ reluctance to have a minimum setback and stated that he wants a minimum in the ordinance, or he will vote no. Member Blickley also asked for the form changes regarding sections 27-602, 27-603, and 27-604.
Planner Miklos stated that he will make the changes – 27-602 – will update next time for the PC, 27-603 – will reformat slightly, 27-604 – will update next time. Chair Kline stated that for the next meeting they will continue and end R1 and that she wants the Planning Commission to review in piecemeal and give it to Borough Council when it is complete.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Amy Haigler, 560 N. York Road, asked why a set back of 25 feet and Planner Miklos stated he didn’t know why but that it was in the current zoning.
ADJOURNMENT – Member Smith made a motion to adjourn the November 12, 2024, Planning Commission meeting. Motion was seconded by Member Blickley, all ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Chair Kline adjourned the November 12, 2024, Planning Commission meeting at 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/ Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary