Planning commission reports recodification draft of zoning code nearing completion

Todd Bressey of the Planning Commission told the Finance Administration Committee on Sept. 18 that the recodification project for the borough zoning code is nearly complete and is intended to reorganize the code to make it easier to use, not to change policy. Bressey said he and MCPC consulting planner Adam Shantz have been preparing a draft and expect to complete it shortly.
Bressey said the purpose is to improve organization and clarity: "The purpose of this project is to reorganize Norbert's zoning code, so that it is easier to use, easier to access, for staff, for applicants, and for the public." He emphasized the work is not intended to change the code's intent or substance; any substantive changes would be flagged and brought separately to council.
Planned next steps include a table read of the draft, internal testing by borough staff on recent permit applications, and review by the borough solicitor. Bressey said he has asked council member Goedini to review the draft and that he expects staff (including the zoning officer and borough manager) to "give it a test run" on sample permit applications. He told the committee he did not expect the recodification to delay the planning commission's other work.
Committee members asked about tables and graphics; Bressey said the recodification will introduce consolidated master tables for land uses and building types to replace multiple dispersed tables, clarifying where rules are normative versus illustrative. The work will relocate dimensional/site-planning/building design rules into a building-type section with unified tables and will create a master land-use table that shows whether uses are permitted, conditional, or special exception and whether specific performance or distance standards apply.
Timing and next steps: staff and the solicitor will review the draft; Bressey said council will then decide whether to adopt the recodification as a straight replacement or to adopt substantive amendments at the same time. He said he expected to report back to the committee in about a month with recommendations.