The Hamburg Planning Commission met this evening in the Council Chambers of the Hamburg Municipal Center with Chairman Jim Gilmartin presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: James A. Gilmartin, George E. Confer, Dale R. Schlenker, Roy R. Heffner

MEMBERS ABSENT: Hank J. Clarke, Leon A. Balthaser

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the March minutes as written.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Gilmartin, Confer, Schlenker, Heffner

Nayes-None

The visitors that were present were in attendance to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance.

John Leonforte explained what has been worked on with the zoning ordinance. John Leonforte recommended that the Planning Commission meet every month to discuss concerns with zoning whether or not there is an agenda or not.

Jim Gilmartin asked about the adult information. Was this new? John Leonforte stated that it was taken from another zoning ordinance and was reworded by the solicitor.

John Leonforte spoke about organizations in Hamburg that should be asked for their input as well. This list would include: The Fire Department, The Police Department, The School District, The Main Street Committee, The Rotary Club, The Ambulance and The Hamburg Jaycees.

Lynda Albright asked about fences, walls, hedges, etc. in regards to side yards. Visibility is the key not necessarily height. Existing conditions cannot be made to change and would be grandfathered. Jeanette Heckman thinks safety should be the factor in determining the height in a front yard. 7’ may be too high but 3.5’ is too short.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by George Confer to change the front yard fence height from 3.5’ to 7’ with a special exception as long as it doesn’t affect safety.

ROLL CALL: Ayes- Confer, Schlenker, Heffner

Nayes- Gilmartin

Jim Gilmartin asked about household pets. Where do pigs and snakes fall in? Animals cannot be raise to sell or to eat. Does "etc." include these animals and the condition? Jim Gilmartin feels it should be spelled out. John Leonforte stated that an animal control ordinance should be adopted by council and that it should be separate from zoning.

Jim Gilmartin feels the large section on signs is overkill. Dale Schlenker disagreed with this.

Jim Gilmartin asked what youth centers fall under. On page 48 things like this are part of recreation areas, community centers, church activities and social halls are allowed in the V-C district.

On page 64 shopping centers are discussed. Is there a minimum/maximum number of shops allowed? John Leonforte stated that from zoning there is not however size (setbacks, coverage, etc.) is covered by zoning.

Tammy Wilkinson asked about home occupations. What is the definition? John Leonforte read the following: The partial use of a dwelling unit for commercial or nonresidential uses by a resident thereof, which is subordinate and incidental to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes; 1) Home occupations shall be limited to no more than one non-family assistant; 2) All parking shall be off-street, and two additional off-street parking spaces, in addition to those required of the residence units, shall be required; 3) A home occupation shall not occupy more than 25% of the total floor area of the dwelling, and shall not be carried on in an accessory building; 4) There shall be no exterior display or exterior storage of goods on said premises; 5) Home occupations shall conform to the general performance standards found in Section 507. Further discussion was held on this issue.

Dale Schlenker asked about off-street parking. What about people with no off-street parking to park personal vehicles? John Leonforte stated that then a home occupation would not be allowed the business would have to be started elsewhere. V-C allows for exceptions for not having enough lot area to provide off-street parking.

Jim Gilmartin asked Roy Heffner if he feels the zoning ordinance is ready to go to council.

Roy Heffner asked why parking is allowed for businesses and not home occupations. John Leonforte stated that vacant commercial buildings would not be able to be used because of the off-street parking issue. If converted to a residence you would also not be allowed to do that. This would not be allowed in a residence because of space saving.

Roy Heffner stated that this proposed zoning ordinance is more complicated than it started out to be. He further stated that he has no problems with anything and not everyone will agree. Roy Heffner recommended sending it to council.

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by George Confer to recommend to council for adoption (go to the next step) of the zoning ordinance.

Roy Heffner asked about the zoning map. Is that ready to go too? The proposed map was shown as updated by John Leonforte. The V-C district has been extended.

The above motion was amended to add…the zoning ordinance and zoning map as amended.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Gilmartin, Confer, Schlenker, Heffner

Nayes-None

John Leonforte had a concerns list from Deena Kershner. Jim Gilmartin stated that they should be taken directly to Borough Council.

Jim Gilmartin asked about Fiore’s. No new plans with revisions have been submitted.

Jim Gilmartin asked about the comprehensive plan. Tilden and Windsor Townships have now approved the plan. When completed, the group will get together yearly for revisions and updates.

None

None

There being no further business, and on motion of George Confer and seconded by Roy Heffner to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary