Ebensburg

Pennsylvania

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CHAPTER 20 – ZONING

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Chapter 20: Zoning Ordinance Summary (Borough of Ebensburg)

This document outlines the structure and key sections of Chapter 20 — the Zoning Ordinance for the Borough of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. It serves as a table of contents or index to the full ordinance, organized into parts and sections that govern land use, development, administration, and zoning districts.

Part 1: General Provisions

  • §20-101 to §20-113: Covers foundational elements including:
    • Short title and purpose
    • Reader’s guide and beginner’s reading tips
    • Community objectives and interpretation rules
    • Conflict resolution (including with floodplain regulations)
    • Severability clause
    • Effective date and repeal of prior ordinances
    • Emergency application of regulations
    • Classification of parcels with multiple uses

Part 2: Administration

  • §20-201 to §20-214: Details how the zoning ordinance is enforced and managed:
    • Purpose of administrative framework
    • Zoning permits, vested rights, variances, special exceptions
    • Enforcement procedures and procedural/substantive challenges
    • Appeals process (to Zoning Officer, then Court)
    • Time limitations for appeals
    • Roles of key officials: Zoning Officer, Zoning Hearing Board, Borough Council

Part 3: Nonconforming Buildings and Land Uses

  • §20-301 to §20-306: Addresses existing structures or uses that don’t comply with current zoning:
    • Purpose and definitions
    • Rules for non-conforming lots, buildings, structures, and land uses
    • Distinction between permitted vs. non-conforming uses

Part 4: Designation of Zones

  • §20-401 to §20-407: Establishes the zoning map and district boundaries:
    • Purpose and creation of zoning districts
    • Zoning map reference
    • Boundary interpretation and annexation rules
    • Floodplain area uses

Part 5: Zone Provisions

Detailed regulations for specific zoning districts:

Section 501: “R-SH” Single Household Residential

  • Permitted/special/prohibited uses
  • District regulations, parking requirements (required and maximum)

Section 502: “R-MH” Multiple-Household Residential

  • Same structure as above, tailored for multi-family housing

Section 503: “MX-VC” Mixed Use-Village Commercial

  • Regulations for mixed-use commercial areas

Section 504: “CBD” Central Business District

  • Core downtown regulations, including parking standards

Section 505: “O-C” Open Space-Conservation

  • Protects open space; includes permitted uses and parking rules

Section 506: Historic Character Overlay District

  • Applies to historic areas; covers applicability, location, boundary interpretation, appeals, and variance applications

Part 6: Supplementary Regulations

Additional rules covering various aspects of development and property use:

  • Lot area, measurement, subdivision/redivision
  • Height measurements and setbacks (including averaging and encroachments)
  • Fences, walls, buffer yards, screening
  • Storage of commercial equipment and junk
  • Minimum distances from offensive uses
  • Clear sight triangles for safety
  • Intended original use of properties
  • Basements, accessory dwellings, swimming pools
  • Junk yards and recreational vehicle restrictions
  • Essential services and public utility facilities
  • Forestry activities, home-based businesses
  • Amateur radio antennas, towers, wireless facilities, satellite dishes
  • Bus shelters
  • Land uses not categorized in Article 5
  • Parking design and driveway standards

Additional Notes (from final page)

  • The borough aims to strengthen relationships with surrounding municipalities and planning commissions (Cambria County, Southern Alleghenies).
  • Expand collaboration through the Central Cambria Coalition — sharing resources like vehicles, recreation areas, joint purchasing.
  • Ordinance adopted under Ord. 574, dated June 28, 2010.

This summary provides residents and stakeholders with a clear overview of what the zoning ordinance covers, where to find specific rules, and how decisions are made — all essential for understanding property rights and development opportunities in Ebensburg.

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