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Commission reviews Altoona housing benchmarks and flags SALDO/height constraints
Summary
Commission member Bruce Whitesell shared supplemental housing data from Altoona, PA, prompting discussion about local SALDO lot setbacks and a 35-foot height limit that complicates modern three-story designs. No formal action was taken; commissioners agreed to monitor development pressure.
At the June 18 meeting Bruce Whitesell distributed supplemental housing data from Altoona, PA, which he said offered useful demographic benchmarks for Springfield Township. Commissioners discussed how similar-size municipalities had approached affordable housing and whether Springfield should consider changes to its SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) or lot setbacks if development pressure increases.
Members noted that Springfield’s current 35-foot maximum height restriction can make it difficult for modern three-story designs to achieve desired floor area without expanding ground-level footprints. Ms. Zane said updating SALDO setbacks did not feel like an immediate priority for 2026 but agreed it is worth monitoring if development pressures grow. Ms. Kelly confirmed the commission will continue to track regional trends and that supplemental materials would inform future deliberations.
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