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Planning commission recommends DCED scope to speed zoning map and code updates
Summary
The Columbia Borough Planning Commission voted March 17 to recommend that borough council accept an amended six‑month scope of work from the state Department of Community and Economic Development that would provide 400 hours of technical assistance to consolidate zoning districts, align the zoning map with the Columbia 2040 plan, and identify priority ordinance changes.
The Columbia Borough Planning Commission voted March 17 to recommend that borough council accept an amended scope of work from the Department of Community and Economic Development that would provide 400 hours of technical assistance to help finish zoning implementation and align the zoning map with the Columbia 2040 comprehensive plan.
The DCED engagement, described by Nick of DCED, is intended as a focused, roughly six‑month effort to help the commission consolidate a patchwork of zoning districts, update the future land use map into a workable zoning map, and produce model ordinance language and recommendations for administration. "We are they're working with us for 400 hours of technical assistance to to get a project in planning or community development done," a DCED representative said during the meeting.
Commissioners said the hours should be used where they add most value rather than duplicating work council already has underway. Commissioners pointed to priorities such as reducing the borough's 17 zoning districts toward a smaller consolidated set, updating definitions for contemporary land uses, improving the public accessibility of the zoning code, and identifying targeted changes (for example accessory dwelling unit language and overlays) that would make day‑to‑day administration clearer.
Members repeatedly flagged parking as the commission's most persistent local conflict, but noted the borough council is already weighing an updated rental properties ordinance (discussed as ordinance 966 on the council agenda) that would require two on‑premise parking spaces for single‑family rental properties. Commissioners agreed DCED hours should avoid duplicating any ordinance work council is actively pursuing and recommended DCED instead concentrate on map translation, district consolidation, definitions, and user‑friendliness.
Commissioners discussed logistics for the engagement, including two to three work sessions with the commission during the review and at least one presentation to council so new council members can be briefed before any ordinance drafting. DCED and the commission agreed the scope would provide a report with findings and a road map to guide a future full ordinance rewrite or a consultant procurement.
Mary moved and Barb seconded a motion recommending the commission forward the amended DCED scope to borough council; the motion passed by voice vote with one member recorded as opposed. The commission requested the updated scope be circulated digitally for confirmation of the edits before it goes to council. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for April 21.
