Council to advertise proposed R-2 zoning change and ordinance amendments on planning commission size and fee adoption

Munhall councilors said they will advertise three proposed ordinances at the next meeting after a discussion at the March 11 workshop: an R-2 zoning amendment to allow conversions of older school or business buildings into apartments in R-2 districts; a reduction in the planning commission’s size from nine to seven members; and an amendment to change how certain fees are adopted so the borough can set them by resolution rather than by ordinance.

Planning staff recommended the zoning amendment and brought the item forward after prior review by the planning commission, council members said. Councilors discussed procedural questions about zoning changes and public notice: whether targeted notices or postings are required when zoning text amendments affect multiple R-2 areas. One council member said the borough will post affected areas and verify notice requirements with the solicitor and the planning director before proceeding.

The proposed planning-commission change was explained as a response to difficulties filling all seats. The fee-adoption amendment would let council adopt fee schedules by resolution—members said this would be faster than the current ordinance process but the change will be published for public comment as part of the advertisement.

Councilors said they will place the three proposed ordinance advertisements next week; no ordinance was adopted at the workshop and formal public hearings and votes will follow the required advertising period.