City council, staff, consultant field questions about Zoning, SALDO updates
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LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven City Council, along with staff and its consultant from Michael Baker International spent Monday evening fielding questions and concerns regarding its proposed overhaul of its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO).
This served as the second public hearing regarding the proposed changes that are tentatively slated for adoption later this month or early September.
Prior to breaking up into groups, those who attended the meeting in council chambers were presented with information about the process and updates to the ordinances since the previous public hearing on July 20.
Nick Fedorak, senior community planner at Michael Baker, presented the information.
Fedorak explained the goal of overhauling both ordinances was to modernize its zoning and SALDO. He noted the current ordinance is out of compliance with several state mandates and the city's own Comprehensive Plan.
"A lot of businesses and residents were having common issues with the ordinance so we wanted to fix the ordinance to make it easier for residents, business owners and taxpayers to use," Fedorak said during his presentation.
The process began in April 2025 and included a steering committee along with a number of formal interviews with community stakeholders, a survey and attending public events -- such as LH Jams -- to gain community feedback.
"We were sure not to ask 'what do you think of your zoning ordinance?' We asked what development you want to see, what you want the future development of Lock Haven to look like, what you want to see in your neighborhood," Fedorak said.
Primary changes made to the Zoning Ordinance revolved around making it easier to read.
"You don't need to be a lawyer to read it," Fedorak said.
It updated language to incorporate new terms and definitions for businesses and industries that didn't previously exist and removed antiquated terminology.
The ordinance also saw an update to the districts to include riverfront, mixed use and neighborhood commercial.
Fedorak noted, since July 20, the riverfront district was decreased following community feedback.
He emphasized on Monday night the changes to the districts would not affect things such as property taxes.
"This does not impact property taxes. This does not impact assessment. All current development falls under the old ordinance," he said. "If you have a property out of compliance -- as many people do right now with the current ordinance -- that's all grandfathered in," he explained.
He added the role of council, city planning commission and other review boards was not changed either.
Since the public hearing in July, the following changes were made:
-- Minor/editorial changes based on solicitor review. Fedorak noted the review is still underway by Solicitor Justin Houser.
-- Design standards extended to Mixed Use and Neighborhood Commercial Districts.
-- Warehouse regulations were adjusted.
-- Buffers for convenience stores were adjusted.
-- Accessory Dwelling Units are now permitted in all residential districts (low, medium and high densities).
-- Signage regulations were adjusted to be content-neutral.
-- Department responsibilities were clarified on permit charges.
-- Clarified that Sketch Plan submission is voluntary.
-- Solid Waste Facility was changed from Permitted to Conditional in the Industrial District.
-- Electric vehicle charging stations were now permitted by right in Open Space and Recreation District as an accessory use.
-- The Waterfront District height was reduced from six stories to five stories.
-- PA Skill Games regulations were added to reflect the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision earlier in 2026. The state legislature has until October to pen new regulations for the machines, which are found in social clubs, gas stations and other convenience stores, before they become banned.
-- Supplemental regulations were added for Veteran Housing Project and Age Qualified Housing uses.
-- Auto repair was changed from Conditional Use to Permitted Use in the Mixed-Use District (currently the downtown area).
-- Removed prohibition on outdoor sales lots on corner lots.
-- Medium Density Residential minimum lot width was changed from 30 feet to 40 feet.
The primary changes to the SALDO Ordinance included allowing more work to be completed in-house by city staff rather than subcontracted out and the ability to submit permit requests electronically.
Following Fedorak's presentation, which is available on the city's YouTube page, the community broke up into groups and spoke with Fedorak, City Planner/Interim Manager Abbey Robberts, Code Enforcement Officer Cyndi Walker and members of city council about any concerns or questions they had.