Commission backs SALDO amendment to streamline small lot consolidations

The Planning Commission discussed and voted to recommend a proposed amendment to the subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) that would create an administrative process for small lot consolidations.

Planning staff explained that many local property owners seek to merge a principal single‑family lot with adjacent vacant lots they own, but the current SALDO process can impose a lengthy and costly full subdivision review. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative exemption for up to three contiguous lots owned by the same party, provided the lots share the same zoning, the applicant submits a sealed survey and deed, and the consolidation is recorded with the county. Staff said the change mirrors practices in several comparable boroughs and would not permit large consolidations intended to enable new large developments.

The commission discussed safeguards and publicity: staff said the city engineer and planning staff would review administrative consolidations and maintain a record so the commission would be informed of such approvals. Commissioners asked whether the administrator would notify the commission and whether enforcement would catch unauthorized fences or deconsolidations; staff said they would approach identified violations and offer consolidations as a remedy where appropriate.

A motion to recommend the SALDO amendment to city council — subject to concurrence by the city solicitor and Delaware County Planning Department — was moved, seconded and passed. Staff said the proposal will be forwarded to council’s Housing and Community Development Committee and then to council for final action, with county comments to be incorporated before a final vote.