Union City schedules Sept. 16 public hearing on zoning amendment to regulate redemption games and accessory structures

Union City Borough posted a notice scheduling a public hearing for Sept. 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. at First Global Methodist Church, 42 East High Street, to consider an amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118 that would define and regulate "redemption games," also described in the notice as "games of skill," and add a provision allowing accessory structures on adjoining lots.

The posted agenda says the amendment would add definitions and permitted-use regulations for redemption games, add Section 701.04 to provide for use of accessory structures on adjoining lots, and include repeal, severability and an effective-date clause. The borough notice calls for information to be provided and for the borough to receive public comment on the proposed changes.

If adopted, the changes would affect how and where businesses operating redemption games may locate under the borough's zoning code and would clarify rules for accessory structures on adjacent parcels. The notice does not state whether the amendment would include licensing, fees, or numerical limits on machines; those details are "not specified" in the posted agenda and would presumably be part of the ordinance text under consideration.

The hearing notice indicates there will be a formal opportunity for visitors to address the amendment; no motions or votes are recorded in the notice. The final paragraph of the agenda lists "HEARING OF THE VISITORS REGARDING THE AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE" followed by "ADJOURNMENT," indicating the hearing and comment period are the principal items for that meeting.

The borough posted the agenda publicly; anyone seeking additional detail about the proposed ordinance language or any accompanying staff reports should contact Borough offices before the Sept. 16 meeting or attend the hearing to comment.