Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Update
Updating two ordinances that impact over everyday lives, even if we don't realize it!
Review the final draft ordinances!
After months of community engagement, steering committee involvement, and staff review, the final draft Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance are available for public review! Anyone can review the ordinances using the links below. Use the change log to see the changes that have been made since the ordinances were first presented for public review.
Most Recent Versions as of 8/27/2026
Zoning Ordinance:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:57bccc07-f0a8-4252-b7a5-20934fcc9565
Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d5b10e3d-2a3e-4dd9-9d0b-7883eebe4a8f
Change Log to Summarize Changes as of 8/27/2026
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:9ad615f0-176c-43a0-b0bb-a9e512bf6d5f
Compare the current and proposed zoning maps here to see the proposed changes:
https://baker.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/media/index.html?appid=215e5df0772848ec9af7b5246125e9fe
August 10, 2026 Public Hearing Presentation - Zoning Ordinance & SALDO
NOTICE OF ADOPTION - 9/21/2026
Lock Haven City Council will consider the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances on Monday, September 21. This regular meeting will be held at 7:00pm in City Hall Council Chambers, 20 E Church Street, Lock Haven. The ordinances will be advertised accordingly prior to second reading and adoption.
The draft ordinances are available for review on the city's website as well as on this Civil Space Page. Hard copies are also available for review at City Hall and the Annie Halenbake Ross Library (232 W Main Street, Lock Haven). Questions and comments on the ordinances can be directed to Cyndi Walker at cwalker@lockhavenpa.gov.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The City of Lock Haven's Zoning Ordinance was last rewritten in 2008, and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) in 2003. While both have been amended since then, a complete overhaul is necessary to:
- Align local policies with state law (MPC)
- Implement strategies from the Destination Lock Haven plan
- Expand housing options, including ADUs and "missing middle" typologies
- Modernize definitions, processes, and design standards
- Create a more accessible, visual, and user-friendly code
- Support downtown revitalization and mixed-use development
- Ensure predictable outcomes for developers and residents alike
WHAT IS A ZONING ORDINANCE?
Zoning regulates how property owners can use their land. It breaks land into districts such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or mixed-use. It can also limit building heights, set guidelines for lot sizes and shapes, require parking, or set design guidelines for historic areas. A Zoning Ordinance is the full set of these regulations. It is administered and enforced by the City of Lock Haven's local government.
WHAT IS A SALDO?
SALDO stands for Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. It is the set of local rules that governs how land in Lock Haven can be divided, developed, or improved. Whether a property owner wants to split a single lot into two, build a new housing development, or create a commercial site, the SALDO provides the technicalregulations on how that process should happen and how the land needs to be developed. It includes standards for the design and construction of infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, utilities, and open space. By setting clear expectations for how land should be developed, the SALDO helps ensure that growth is orderly, coordinated, and consistent with the community's long-term vision.
WHY IS ZONING IMPORTANT?
While zoning can be a tad technical, it is one of the most powerful tools Lock Haven can use to shape the landscape and buildings of the future. Because zoning is locally written and enforced, the City has a high level of control over what goes in it. By adjusting zoning, we can shape the built environment of Lock Haven to fit the vision from our Comprehensive Plan, Destination Lock Haven.
WHY IS THE SALDO IMPORTANT?
The SALDO plays a critical role in shaping the physical form and functionality of the City. It ensures that new development is thoughtfully designed, connected to public infrastructure, and aligned with Lock Haven's broader goals, such as improving walkability, preserving character, and supporting economic development. A modern and well-crafted SALDO provides clarity and predictability for developers, reduces conflicts during the approval process, and helps protect public health, safety, and quality of life. It also supports smarter growth by guiding how neighborhoods expand, how stormwater is managed, how development in floodplains should happen, and how public amenities are incorporated into new projects. A functional SALDO can help ensure that development benefits both current and future residents of Lock Haven.
PLANNING PROCESS
The planning process began in April 2025 and will extend over a 18-month period (April 2025 - August 2026). Each step includes targeted stakeholder engagement and draft reviews. An estimated project timeline is shown to the right.
WHAT IS THE BUDGET?
The total budget for the Zoning Ordinance and SALDO Update is $130,000. This funding has been secured from a mix of federal, state, and local sources. These include $65,000 in grant funds from the Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. $25,000 in grant funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the city, and $40,000 in local funds, contributed by the city via its General Fund.
Project Timeline
Project Management & Coordination
Steering Committee Meetings & Work Sessions
Zoning Due Diligence & Ordinance Audit
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why update the ordinances now?
A: The current documents are outdated and no longer meet community needs or
reflect best practices.
Q: Will this change my zoning?
A: Potentially. A revised zoning map and new district definitions are a part of this
process. Property owners will have access to map previews before adoption.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Attend public meetings, participate in outreach and engagement events, or
contact us.
MEET THE CONSULTANT TEAM
Michael Baker International
Nick Fedorek, AICP, Project Manager
Kirsten Compitello, AICP: Zoning & SALDO Lead
Howard Blackson, CNU-A: Hybrid & Form-Based Code Specialist
Samantha McLean, AICP: Zoning Specialist
Stuart Group Consulting, LLC
Jeff Raykes, Public Engagement Lead
Alaina Pobok, Community Design & Communications Lead
Eric Goins, Community Mapping Technician
Ryan Countryman, Zoning and Land Use Planning Lead