• 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.