Council approves DCED technical assistance to update zoning, evaluate ADUs

The Knightsborough council approved participation in a DCED community technical-assistance program aimed at helping the borough update zoning and examine accessory dwelling units and permitted uses.

Planning staff told council the DCED scope of work would provide technical hours to help the borough reduce the number of zoning districts, update permitted-use tables and advance zoning projects the planning commission has prioritized. "What we're looking at is that they will provide us with so many hours of technical assistance," a planning representative said, noting the work would help implement the comprehensive plan and move projects forward without additional local contract costs.

Planning commission members and other council members said they supported the engagement and expected the work to run through October 30, with interim meetings and opportunities for public input. Council moved and seconded a motion to participate with DCED and approved the engagement.

Staff said the program would include shared examples from other municipalities and could produce recommendations for simplified zoning or a hybrid approach that retains important local controls.

Next steps: staff and planning commission will refine the statement of work, schedule DCED meetings, and report progress to council during the project timeline.