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State College council begins detailed review of draft zoning ordinance, sets fall schedule for public deliberations
Summary
The State College Borough planning director previewed a comprehensive rewrite of the borough's zoning code that aims to increase housing options, modernize definitions, and reduce parking requirements. Council agreed to an intensive fall schedule of work sessions and public review before a planned county review and spring public hearing.
State College Borough Council on Sept. 8, 2025 heard a detailed briefing from planning staff on a proposed comprehensive zoning ordinance intended to replace the borough's code, which dates to 1959. Planning Director Ed LeClair told the council the draft is designed "to create more housing opportunities," support neighborhood commercial districts, and better align parking rules with current practice.
Why it matters: The draft would change fundamental rules that guide how and where housing, businesses and parking can be built across the borough's residential, transitional and downtown areas. Changes to lot-width rules, reintroduced housing types (duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, accessory dwelling units) and a new approach to downtown heights and incentives could affect housing supply, walking and biking patterns, and future development approvals.
Planning staff summarized three core objectives for the rewrite: expand housing opportunities for both owners and renters (including options suitable for longer-term residents as well…
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