The State College Borough Council meeting on September 8, 2025, focused on the timeline for revising local zoning ordinances and the procedural steps necessary for public hearings. Key discussions included the process for submitting changes to the county and the Center Region Planning Agency, with a target for review completion by January 2026.
During the meeting, officials outlined a detailed timeline for the ordinance revisions, emphasizing the importance of public input and the need for a structured approach to decision-making. The council plans to present a revised draft to the consultant team, allowing a month for revisions before submitting it for county review. This review period is mandated by state statute and is expected to align with the council's goal of enacting changes by March 2026.
Council members discussed the necessity of public hearings, which require specific notice periods and advertisements. The council aims to initiate the public hearing process in February, with a potential vote on the ordinance scheduled for March 24, 2026. This timeline is described as aggressive but necessary to meet community expectations.
The council president highlighted the importance of affordability and fairness in the zoning rewrite, which has not been updated since 1959. The meeting also included a call for public engagement, encouraging community members to participate in upcoming discussions and express their views on the proposed changes.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to transparency and community involvement as they navigate significant updates to local zoning laws. The next steps will involve further discussions and public input sessions to refine the proposed changes.