FAQs • York County Planning Commission PA • CivicEngage

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Residents

1. What homeowner financial assistance is available?

The Planning Commission administers a weatherization program, available to both owners and renters, which is designed to reduce heating and cooling costs for low-income persons. The program helps to reduce energy consumption of the dwelling through the installation of various energy conservation measures.

Home Improvement Program

The Planning Commission also administers a home improvement program, which is designed to help income-eligible resident homeowners by providing financial and technical assistance to obtain necessary home repairs. For more information, including eligibility requirements for either of these programs, please call our office at 717-771-9870.

2. The enforcement officer refuses to issue a permit for an addition on my home since it would violate the zoning ordinance. Can I get a variance or special exception so I can expand the building anyway?

Perhaps. A variance request may be appropriate and may be submitted to the municipal Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) when a zoning regulation inflicts unnecessary hardship. The ZHB may grant the variance if the ZHB finds all of the following apply:

There are unique physical conditions that prevent the property from being developed according to Zoning Ordinance
The variance is necessary for reasonable use of the property
The hardship was not self-created
The character of the neighborhood will not be changed
The use of an adjacent property and the public welfare will not be adversely affected
The variance permits the minimum relief from the regulation

Exceptions

A special exception is probably not appropriate and/or does not apply in this instance unless the use of the building is listed specifically as a special exception in the zoning ordinance. A special exception involves a specific use which is permitted in a particular zoning district, subject to certain standards and conditions. Applications for special exceptions are decided by the ZHB.

3. I want to give ten feet of my lot to my neighbor. Must I submit a subdivision plan?: Yes, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PA MPC) defines a subdivision to include the division or re-division of a parcel into two or more lots, as well as other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines. The PA MPC definition is the standard in municipal ordinances, regardless of the size or configuration of the lot(s) involved.

4. I am having a boundary dispute (disagreement about the location of a property line) with my neighbor. Can you resolve the dispute?: The YCPC staff cannot resolve the dispute but can suggest information sources and provide some general assistance. The resolution of boundary disputes is the responsibility of the property owners involved. Determining a boundary's location typically relies on deeds, existing surveys, and recorded subdivision plans. If documentary evidence is lacking, you and your neighbor could agree to share the cost of a new survey to reestablish the boundary by mutual consent, followed by necessary approvals and recording of documents. If no documents exist which establish the property line, and no mutual agreement is reached, litigation will be necessary to settle the dispute.

5. Can I keep animals on my property?: Perhaps, depending on the type and number of animals you wish to keep. The York County Planning Commission (YCPC) staff can provide information and suggestions based on the Zoning Ordinance. For questions about specific applications and permits, you should contact the municipal zoning officer. Municipal zoning ordinances often specify the type and number of animals which may be kept on a property. Ordinances vary depending on the property’s zoning classification, whether the animals would be considered pets or livestock, and if the animals are kept for personal use. Other ordinances and State Ordinance may also apply.

6. Do I have to purchase flood insurance?: Purchasing flood insurance is an individual property owner’s decision unless the lending institution which holds, or will hold, the mortgage for the property requires flood insurance. Flood insurance will almost certainly be required by your lender if the buildings on your property are determined to be in the 100-year floodplain according to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps. If you own your property outright and do not have flood insurance, you will be responsible for any flood-related damages which occur, as such damages are not typically covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.

7. Is my house in a flood plain?: The York County Planning Commission (YCPC) staff and your local municipal staff can assist you in determining your property’s location relative to a floodplain. The YCPC has copies of the latest (September 25, 2009) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as does your municipal office. The FIRMs indicate floodplain boundaries, elevations, and the location of existing structures. For specific questions about building permits and floodplain Ordinance, you should contact the code enforcement officer at your municipal office.

8. What is the zoning of my property?: The zoning classification of your property is shown on the municipal zoning map contained in the zoning ordinance of the municipality in which your property is located. In some instances, a property may be located in more than one zoning district and/or more than one municipality. The York County Planning Commission (YCPC) staff and your local municipal staff can assist you in determining the zoning classification of your property and the basic ordinances which apply. Detailed questions about zoning permits and applications should be addressed to the zoning officer at your municipal office.