Dan Risk

The Zoning Hearing Board reviewed a request for a Special Exception and Variance for a property on Ashville Road, Oxford, PA. The applicants sought permission to construct a new primary building involving extensions, alterations, and replacements of a non-conforming use, as well as an enlargement exceeding 50%. The Board approved the requested Special Exception and Variance, subject to standard conditions.

The board addressed several zoning and sanitation items, including variances, permit penalties, and the correction of sewer easements on subdivision plans. Key operational actions included authorizing payments from general and state funds, discussing road maintenance activities, and planning for facility repairs such as salt shed roofing and park signage. The board also adopted a resolution regarding grant funding, reviewed financial results from the Spring Clean-Up event, approved a septic pumping exemption, and initiated a temporary zoning moratorium on data centers.

The board conducted its annual re-organizational meeting and reviewed several zoning requests. A Special Exception for the keeping of livestock on a lot less than 20 acres was granted. A variance request to place a structure in the front yard was denied, while the placement of a livestock barn at the side of the property was approved.

The commission reviewed multiple zoning and planning applications, issuing recommendations for approval or contingent approval for subdivision, stormwater, and variance requests from various applicants, including John Petro, Daniel and Anna Smucker, Isaac K. Stoltzfoos, Dustin Peterson, David King and Henry Miller, and Stephen Smoker. A variance application for Levis S. Stoltzfoos and John S. Stoltzfoos was deferred to the Zoning Hearing Board, and a plan for Cleason and Dawn Sensenig was tabled. Furthermore, the commission held a discussion regarding the creation of a Data Center Ordinance.

The Board discussed various sanitation and zoning reports, including requests for manure storage facilities, an RV placement permit, and escrow interest disputes. The Roadmaster provided updates on road maintenance activities. The Board authorized the payment of bills for the General and State funds. Planning Commission matters were addressed, including the approval of a lot add-on plan and a stormwater plan with associated waivers. The Board approved the inclusion of property into the Agricultural Security Area and renewed membership in the Federal Surplus Purchasing program. Escrow releases were authorized for several projects. Finally, the Board discussed the regulation of Data Centers and requested a cost estimate for implementing a potential moratorium.