Zoning
Zoning plays a vital role in shaping how a community develops. It oversees how land is used within the municipality to ensure that growth is orderly,
sustainable, and aligned with the community’s long-term goals.
Whether you're building a home, opening a business, or developing land, the Zoning Department ensures that these activities comply with local laws and support the overall health, safety, and character of the Borough.
Zoning Officer
Kathy T. Vossough
610-866-2220 x205
zoning@boroughoffreemansburg.org
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (“MPC”) vests municipalities with the authority and guidelines for appointing a zoning officer. Section 614 of the MPC states: Appointment and Powers of Zoning Officer. For the administration of a zoning ordinance, a zoning officer, who shall not hold any elective office in the municipality, shall be appointed. The zoning officer shall meet qualifications established by the municipality and shall be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the municipality a working knowledge of municipal zoning. The zoning officer shall administer the zoning ordinance in accordance with its literal terms, and shall not have the power to permit any construction or any use or change of use which does not conform to the zoning ordinance. Zoning officers may be authorized to institute civil enforcement proceedings as a means of enforcement when acting within the scope of their employment.
Primary Responsibilities of Zoning
Land Use Regulation
- Enforces the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance, which designates areas for specific uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional.
- Ensures that new construction, renovations, and land development align with permitted uses in each zoning district.
Permit Review and Approval
- Reviews applications for zoning permits, including those for new buildings, additions, fences, sheds, signage, and home occupations.
- Verifies that proposed projects meet setback, height, lot coverage, and use requirements.
Zoning Hearing Board Coordination
- Facilitates the work of the Zoning Hearing Board, which hears requests for variances, special exceptions, and appeals of zoning decisions.
- Provides public notice for hearings and maintains official records of proceedings.
Enforcement
- Investigates complaints related to zoning violations, such as illegal uses of property, unpermitted construction, or noncompliant signage.
- Works with property owners to resolve issues and enforces compliance when necessary.
Planning and Community Development
- Collaborates with the Planning Commission and Borough Council on updates to the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan.
- Supports smart growth principles and promotes development that balances economic opportunity with community character and environmental stewardship.
Why Zoning Matters:
Zoning helps protect property values, manage traffic, preserve neighborhood character, and ensure public safety. It provides clarity todevelopers and property owners about what is allowed—and what is not—on a given piece of land.
