CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County leaders have plans to update the county’s Subdivision and Land Development ordinance.
On Tuesday the commissioners voted to approve an agreement with Strategic Solutions to conduct an audit of the county’s existing ordinance.
The agreement is pending final approval by County Solicitor Heather Bozovich, and costs are not to exceed $5,000. The audit was strongly endorsed by Planning Director Jodi Brennan.
Brennan said the ordinance is nearly 25 years old, and members of the county Planning Commission believe there are some sections that are really outdated with the current state regulations.
Additionally, Brennan said the county is having a lot of “dollar” stores opening in very rural areas that lack zoning. “We’re seeing some conflict in land use.”
She said while Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances don’t control land use, certain design standards could be incorporated to address some concerns neighbors have.
Brennan said the common issues that they could help municipalities control included visual barriers, fencing, landscaping, stormwater run-off, parking, lighting, etc.
According to Brennan, the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team recently secured the services of this consultant to develop very similar design standards.
She said the Planning Commission would like the county to hire the same consultant who would compile a comprehensive list of recommended updates.
The commissioners approved the agreement with Strategic Solutions by a 2-0 vote. Commissioner Tony Scotto was absent from the meeting.
In other business, the commissioners:
- approved an agreement between the county and the Child Advocacy Center.
- approved a linkage agreement with Community County Services.
- approved a collaborative agreement with Community Guidance Center.
- approved the appointment of Jeff Colbey to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
- approved liquid fuel allocations to Newburg Borough, $3,000, and Pine Township, $3,000.
- approved the bills as presented by the Controller’s Office.
