Planning & Zoning

Mission 

• To prepare strategies to enhance long range development of the community
• To apply the zoning ordinance and regulations fairly for the benefit of all residents
• To equitably administer the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs in order to effectively fund various activities to assist low- and moderate-income families, elderly, and individual Borough residents with disabilities

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Planning Department include assistance to the residents and property owners of State College, several Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees, Borough Council, other departments of the Borough, and coordination with the Centre Regional Planning Agency and Centre Regional Planning Commission.

Planning Department Authorities, Boards, Commissions, and Committees include:

• CDBG Citizens' Advisory Committee
• State College Design and Historic Review Board
• State College Planning Commission
• State College Zoning Hearing Board
• Historical Architectural Review Board
• Redevelopment Authority

Staff Assistance

Department personnel provides staff assistance to the Planning Commission, the Design and Historic Review Board, and the CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee. This assistance takes a number of forms including:

• Preparing and distributing agendas and minutes
• Coordinating meetings
• Researching and preparing special reports and studies
• Drafting ordinances
• Advising the Design and Historic Review Board and Planning Commission on land development plan proposals

Planning staff provides administrative support to the Zoning Hearing Board as well as representing the Borough's interests before the Board.

Services