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LOCK HAVEN -- After roughly two years of working with consultant Michael Baker International, a number of surveys, focus group meetings, public hearings and circling back to first reading, Lock Haven City Council adopted the overhaul of its Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances this week.
Council unanimously approved both the zoning ordinance and SALDO on Monday night after hearing from residents during a public hearing prior to its regular meeting. This follows a lengthy public comment period that began in June and returned to first reading in September after multiple changes were made within both ordinances.
During the public hearing resident Sarah Santucci expressed concerns over the restrictions regarding short-term rentals such as AirBnBs. Some of the requirements included in the ordinance include only two short-term rentals allowed per block, a topic that was brought up throughout the roughly hour-long public hearing, and a requirement that two off-street parking spots be available.
Santucci said she was worried the restriction on short-term rentals could stifle tourism and instead push visitors to hotels outside of the area. She also repeatedly pointed out the benefits of short-term rentals, particularly those owned locally, which included better maintenance compared to properties in the city that are currently empty or unmaintained.
Members of council and Mayor Joel Long noted neither ordinance is set in stone and council could choose to remove restrictions on short-term rentals or adjust any part of the ordinance in the future.
During its regular meeting, council did not discuss the ordinances further before unanimously approving both for adoption.
In other business, council:
-- Approved a use request for Zindel Park on May 1, 2027, by Cora Stackhouse for a wedding ceremony.
-- Approved a final agreement for the Central Clinton County Water Filtration Authority Palo Settlement Loan.