Planning commission hears staff case to shrink minimum lot width, tighten side setbacks and redraw conservancy areas

Planning Commission members heard a staff presentation Feb. 20 on proposed changes to the borough's draft zoning code aimed at reducing the number of nonconforming properties by lowering minimum lot width and modifying side-yard setbacks.

The presentation, led by planning staff members Jim Price and Mike (last name not given), said the current draft zoning would leave about 611 lots — roughly 28 percent of the borough — nonconforming, and that lowering the minimum lot width in residential districts to 25 feet would make many existing homes conforming. Mike said the change “would allow properties that already exist in Crafton to be conforming,” and that the recommendation was intended to match the zoning to “what is happening on the street in reality.”

Why it matters: staff told commissioners that nonconforming designations carry market and regulatory risks for homeowners and can complicate sales, lending and property improvements. The presentation cited language from the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission's standard purchase agreement and the standard residential appraisal form to show buyers and appraisers may treat nonconforming status as a material issue. Mike said, “If it is marked anything other than legal, there's a very real chance it will reduce the value of that appraisal.”

Staff analysis and recommendations

Jim Price presented maps and counts showing existing lot widths across Crafton…