ALLENTOWN, Pa. — After years of analyses and planning work, Allentown officials recently published the first look at a proposed overhaul of zoning regulations throughout the city.
And now they're asking residents for feedback.
The ZONEAllentown page on the city’s website shows the proposed zoning code and changes to regulations for subdivision and land development projects.
A pending survey on the ZONEAllentown page of the city's website will serve as the primary method for residents to share their thoughts on proposed zoning changes.Allentown City website
The new ordinance is meant “to clearly convey the city’s expectations for new development and redevelopment activities going forward,” according to an explanation on the site.
City employees, Allentown City Planning Commission and a special advisory committee reviewed the plans over the past several years, and now officials want residents' feedback, Gomez said.
A pending survey on the ZONEAllentown page of the city's website will serve as the primary method for residents to share their thoughts on proposed zoning changes.
City officials also are collecting feedback via email, and they plan to hold several meetings in July about the proposals.
Residents can weigh in on the plans for the next three months, Gomez said.
'Better align' ordinances
Updating the zoning code will “better align the city’s current development-related ordinances” with Allentown’s Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan and “provide a more modern regulatory framework for the future,” Planning Director Jennifer Gomez said.
The site also features maps showing the current and proposed zoning designations for all parts of the city.
The “most intense” developments will continue to be focused in downtown Allentown, but mixed-use buildings would be allowed in all commercial zoning districts under the new regulations, according to Gomez.
“Some modifications [and] better regulations could result in a more walkable urban development pattern."Allentown Planning Director Jennifer Gomez
The zoning rewrite is expected to also include special provisions along major corridors in the city.
But the update is more about bringing the code in line with what exists today than trying to change what areas of the city will look like, she said.
The new zoning regulations apply only to new construction and projects with significant changes. Those who own homes and properties in Allentown will not be forced to do work to meet the new regulations.
The rewrite aims to boost the supply and affordability of housing and “make the city vibrant and walkable,” while respecting its “traditional character,” Gomez said.
“Some modifications [and] better regulations could result in a more walkable urban development pattern,” she said.
Officials launched the zoning-rewrite project in 2021 to streamline the city’s approval processes, encourage development in some locations and update its design standards for new projects.
