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Planning Commission votes to move 87 parcels out of Conservancy designation in draft zoning map
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to amend the draft zoning plan to reclassify 87 developed parcels out of the Conservancy District into neighboring residential districts (NR or CR) so existing homes and multi‑unit buildings are not constrained by slope‑based rules that staff says do not apply to those lots.
The Crafton Borough Planning Commission voted March 25 to amend the draft zoning plan to reclassify 87 occupied parcels from Conservancy to adjacent residential districts. The motion, made by Planning Commission Chair Eric Falstaff and seconded online by Commission member Rhiannon, was approved by voice vote.
The change targets parcels that staff reviewed individually and concluded are not on steep slopes or in ecologically sensitive ground despite earlier mapping that placed them in the Conservancy District. Jim (Planning Commission presenter) described clusters on Rogers, Josephine and Lawson avenues, and parts of South Grandview Avenue, saying they are built and “do not suffer from those issues.” He recommended moving houses on those parcels into NR (neighborhood residential) or CR (community/residential) districts depending on the neighborhood’s existing building types.
Commissioners framed the update as a corrective, equity‑focused step that eases rebuilding and major repairs for existing property owners. The presenter said moving the parcels would remove an unnecessary barrier for owners who otherwise could face limits on reconstruction or upgrading. He noted that single‑family homes are less affected by nonconformity rules than multi‑unit buildings, and argued the change is especially important where multi‑unit properties would otherwise face greater constraints.
No new development was proposed as part of the motion; staff and the presenter emphasized that all 87 parcels already have dwellings and that the amendment simply places developed lots in zoning districts that better reflect parcel topography and building form. One commissioner voiced concern at an earlier meeting that the move could “encourage development,” but staff replied that the identified parcels are already developed and that the change primarily reduces hardship for existing owners.
Motion and vote: Planning Commission Chair Eric Falstaff moved to amend the draft plan to reclassify the identified 87 occupied parcels from Conservancy to NR or CR as appropriate; Commissioner Rhiannon seconded. The motion carried by voice vote (tally: yes 4, no 0). The item will be incorporated into the draft plan; final zoning adoption remains subject to later public hearings and council action.
Ending: Staff will update the draft plan maps and present the amended map as part of the zoning process; the change is not a final adoption and can still be modified in subsequent steps.
