Borough Council updates zoning regulations including daycare and Airbnb restrictions

Crafton Borough's Planning Commission made significant strides during their meeting on May 27, 2025, focusing on zoning updates and community development. A key decision was the reclassification of certain parcels from mixed-use back to Community Residential (CR), particularly concerning the Grandview Conservancy areas. This change aims to enhance the neighborhood's character and maintain its conservancy status, allowing for better alignment with community needs.

The Commission also addressed various community requests, emphasizing transparency by reviewing all inquiries received over the past month. Notably, the removal of provisions for Accessible Dwelling Units (ADUs) from the code was confirmed, alongside a decision to cap daycare facilities at six children in Neighborhood Residential (NR) and CR zones, reflecting concerns about neighborhood impacts.

In a move to regulate short-term rentals, the Commission approved the removal of Airbnbs from residential districts, permitting them only in commercial areas. This decision aims to ensure that residential neighborhoods remain primarily for long-term residents while still allowing for business opportunities in designated zones.

Additionally, the Commission refined noise regulations to ensure consistency with surrounding communities, enhancing the quality of life for residents. They also maintained existing height limits for flagpoles and clarified exemptions for public buildings, limiting them to emergencies only.

The meeting concluded with discussions on zoning adjustments, including maintaining six square blocks adjacent to downtown as NR instead of transitioning them to CR. This decision was made in response to community feedback, underscoring the Commission's commitment to public input in planning processes.

Overall, these decisions reflect Crafton Borough's dedication to fostering a balanced community that prioritizes residential integrity while accommodating necessary development. The Planning Commission plans to finalize the mapping of these changes soon, signaling a proactive approach to urban planning in the borough.