Assembly approves first reading to rezone lot in Sandy Beach area

The Petersburg Borough Assembly on Feb. 3 approved the first reading of Ordinance 202501, moving to amend the official zoning map for Service Area 1 to rezone Lot 13B, Lot Number 20008-15 from rural residential to single-family residential.

Assembly members said the change would allow smaller lot sizes by permitting subdivisions down to 8,000 square feet but would not force a subdivision. Community and Economic Development staff explained the rezoning “allows someone to subdivide down to that number” but does not require it. The item was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Committee.

Assemblymember Marsh raised concerns that rezoning could produce smaller lots inconsistent with larger parcels in the Sandy Beach neighborhood; staff replied that owners could retain larger lot sizes and that rezoning only adds flexibility. Assemblymember Staton Gregor said single-family zoning is “more consistent with that residential neighborhood” and indicated support for the first reading.

Clerk roll call recorded unanimous support on the first reading: Donna — yes; Jay — yes; Mark — yes; Bob — yes; Rob — yes; Scott — yes. The ordinance passed the first reading 6-0. The second reading will include the public hearing where further comment can be considered.

The rezoning decision is an amendment to the borough’s official zoning map; because this action is only the first reading, no final map change takes effect until adoption at second reading and any required appeal periods are observed.