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Council adopts zoning amendment to permit age‑qualified and veteran multifamily housing by right
Summary
Council adopted an amendment to the zoning code to allow multifamily dwellings that are part of age‑qualified or veteran housing projects as a permitted use in low-, medium- and high‑density residential districts.
Lock Haven City Council voted to adopt an amendment to the city zoning ordinance that adds multifamily dwellings, as part of age‑qualified housing projects or veteran housing projects, as a permitted use by right in low-, medium- and high‑density residential zoning districts.
City staff presented the ordinance as a second reading; proponents told council the change would simplify development of age‑restricted and veteran-designated multifamily housing projects. During the staff presentation, the presenter summarized regional comparisons of off‑street parking requirements: Williamsport’s senior multifamily standard is one space per three dwelling units and State College’s standard listed 0.75 spaces per dwelling unit (with options for further reduction under certain conditions). The ordinance before Lock Haven sets a lower base parking requirement than some regional comparators but retains visitor and employee parking metrics.
Council discussed parking impacts and whether reduced parking ratios had generated complaints in comparable municipalities. Staff reported conversations with neighboring jurisdictions and planning directors who said they had not received complaints tied to senior‑housing parking ratios. Council members also emphasized that any future projects would be subject to site‑specific review and that the council would retain the authority to adjust standards through future ordinance changes or site plan conditions.
The measure passed on second reading and will become effective as provided by law (as a routine ordinance adoption following second reading). The council record shows the motion to adopt on second reading followed the public presentation and staff responses to council questions.
Ending Staff said they will post the adopted ordinance and update the zoning code reference materials. Project applicants and neighborhood groups will be able to review the amended Table of Uses and submit development proposals under the new permitted‑use standard.
