Union City schedules Sept. 16 public hearing on proposed changes to zoning ordinance covering redemption games and accessory structures

Union City Borough will hold a public hearing on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at First Global Methodist Church, 42 East High Street, to receive public comment on a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118, according to the borough’s posted agenda.

The agenda says the amendment would add definitions and regulation for permitted-use zones for "redemption games," also described in the notice as "games of skill." It would also add Section 701.04 to provide for the use of accessory structures on adjoining lots and include standard repealer, severability and effective-date provisions.

Why it matters: defining and regulating redemption games could affect businesses that operate coin-operated or skill-based prize machines, while rules for accessory structures on adjoining lots could affect property owners and development of small parcels. The posted notice identifies those changes as the principal subjects for public comment at the hearing.

The agenda lists a formal "Hearing of the visitors" for public comment and concludes with adjournment; the notice does not specify any votes or immediate final action at the hearing. Members of the public who wish to comment are directed to appear at the Sept. 16 hearing at the time and place listed in the agenda.

The posted agenda does not provide additional detail on the proposed text of the ordinance amendment, the specific zoning districts affected, or any implementation timeline. Those details were not specified in the notice.