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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 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, Commission and Committees include:
  • State College Planning Commission
  • CDBG Citizens’ Advisory Committee
  • State College Design Review Board
  • State College Historic Resources Commission
  • State College Zoning Hearing Board
Department personnel provide staff assistance to the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board, the Historic Resources Commission, 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, and advising the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and Historic Resources 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.

The Zoning Officer and Planning Director serve on the Housing Task Force. The Planning Director also provides staff support to the Transportation Commission as needed.

Services

Planning & Zoning Services

  • Building or Adding to a Structure
  • Fences and Walls
  • Occupancy
  • Permitting
  • Updating Zoning Ordinances and Maps
  • Providing Municipal Boundary Information
  • Providing Census and Demographic Information
  • Developing Planning Documents: Neighborhood Plans, Downtown Master Plans, etc.

Ordinance Enforcement
  • Dog control and dog bite follow-up
  • Monitoring for proper refuse disposal/storage and litter control
  • Monitoring for proper handling of recyclables
  • Environmental nuisance investigations
  • Grass and weed control inspections
  • Inspection of public sidewalks for removal of snow/ice
  • Rental housing inspections for health nuisances and hazards
  • Monitoring of nuisance properties

Public Health
  • Restaurant and food establishment inspections
  • Providing public health information and referrals
  • Providing information on healthy lifestyles and wellness
  • Participating in maintaining media content on area health care, human services agencies and health statistics
  • Providing updates and bulletins regarding health and food safety fields
  • Teaching educational food safety classes
Community Development & Housing Services
  • Fair Housing Proctection
  • First-Time Homebuyer Program
  • Housing Assistance Programs
  • Rehabilitation Assistance Program
  • Rental Housing Opportunities


Carl R. Hess, AICP
Community Development & Planning Director
243 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801
(814) 234-7109
(814) 234-7197
Contact us

Hours of Operation
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Excluding Holidays
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Featured
Notice of Public Comment Period, Public Hearing: Consolidated Plans and FY 2009 and 2013 CAAPs
State College Borough Council will consider a revision to State College Borough 2005-2009 and 2010-2014 Consolidated Plans and FY 2009 and 2013 Consolidated Annual Action Plans regarding the Proposed Use of CDBG and HOME Program Funds. Read on...
Neighborhood Plan Meetings in June for the Highlands and College Heights Neighborhoods
The State College Planning Commission will continue working with residents regarding the neighborhood planning process. The Commission will hold focus group sessions with Highlands and College Heights neighborhoods in June. Read on...
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