On January 25, 2023, the Land Use Reform Subcommittee was formed to evaluate the items considered by Borough Council through a comprehensive review of the adopted policies and land use regulations. The Subcommittee includes members of Borough Council, the Chairs of the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board, the Borough Manager, and the Sustainable Community and Economic Planning Director.
Sustainable Community and Economic Planning Director Jared Woolston presented an update to Borough Council at the September 3, 2025, Workshop Meeting on several items, including a review of neighborhood zoning, noise standards, minimum electric vehicle parking, industrial uses over 10,000 square feet, and accessory dwelling units.
Below you will find more information on initiatives the Subcommittee is working on. Updates will be added as the work continues:
Helpful ResourcesSmall Area Planning and MAP Grant
The Subcommittee is looking to develop small area plans for two areas of the Borough - North Hanover Street from North East Street to Ashburn Drive and East High Street and East High Street in the area of the former Frog, Switch property. These areas are gateways to the Borough but show signs of disinvestment and are car-oriented. Improvements in these areas would benefit existing property owners and surrounding neighborhoods. The small-scale planning process would allow staff to work with existing property owners and the neighborhood to see what options may benefit them. on These plans will be developed with the intention of being adopted into our Comprehensive Plan.
The Borough recently received a Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) Grant to support the development of these plans. The plans will encourage UM development, enhance pedestrian access, and help preserve the Borough's historic charm.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
An accessory dwelling unit is defined as "a dwelling unit subordinate in size to the principal residential structure(s) on a lot and located either within the principal residential structure(s) on a lot and located either within the principal residential structure(s) or in an accessory structure. ADUs can include a basement apartment, an apartment over the garage, or a stand-alone house in the backyard. The graphic below from AARP illustrates several different types of ADUs.
The Land Use Reform subcommittee has developed a text amendment standard allowing an ADU to be created through renovation, addition, or a new building on any lot where a legal dwelling exists.
In addition, form-based code standards for accessory buildings are being developed to allow an ADU to be created on all lots that abut an alley. These standards are intended to encourage carriage houses consistent with the example below located in the rear of 113 West High Street.
Work is still ongoing on this reform and no official action has been taken as of yet.