North Huntingdon Township · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Huntingdon public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Variance request for 8611 Walnut Street property
The St. Joseph Polish Benevolent Society wants relief from three R-1 zoning standards — lot area, rear yard depth, and lot coverage — for its Walnut Street parcel. The board's decision could allow construction or expansion that wouldn't otherwise fit the zoning rules.
Route 30 commercial lot subdivision (DeNunzio Properties)
DeNunzio Properties wants to split one existing C-1 commercial parcel along Route 30 into two lots. How that corridor parcel gets divided could affect future commercial development and traffic along Route 30.
Proposed Data Center Ordinance
The township is considering new zoning and operational rules for data centers to manage potential impacts on power, noise, and land use.
Outdoor Advertising Billboard Approval on Clay Pike
Top Brand Advertising successfully gained approval to install a new V-style billboard along Clay Pike in an industrial zone. The sign will provide new outdoor advertising space without facing public opposition.
Fence height and accessory structure zoning updates
A proposed ordinance would cap front-yard fences at 48 inches and side/rear fences at 6 feet, and formally define accessory structures like sheds, decks, pools and fences.
Norwin Soccer Club Light Pollution
New rules would require outdoor lighting to be shielded and pointed down, cap light levels at property lines, and let the township check compliance with a light meter.
Proposed CBD, tobacco and vape ordinance
New rules would restrict vape and CBD shops to conditional use in certain commercial districts, keep them away from schools, parks and churches, and ban alcohol and gambling on premises. Existing shops would be grandfathered.
Zero-Foot Side Yard Setback Request on Carpenter Lane
JP Land Holdings requested a zero-foot side yard setback for a new single-family attached dwelling on a vacant lot at Carpenter Lane and Carolina Drive.
Side Yard Setback Variance for Residential Addition on Forest Oaks Trail
Property owners Chris and Kathleen Haselhoff sought a variance to build a home addition that encroaches five feet into their side yard setback due to existing sanitary sewer easements.
Ridge Road rezoning for denser housing
A 25-acre vacant parcel along Ridge Road could shift from R-4 (large lots) to R-2 (smaller lots, denser housing). Neighbors worry about a high-pressure gas pipeline, a dangerous intersection, stormwater runoff and sewer capacity. Planners recommended it 5-2; commissioners decide after a July 9 hearing.
CBD, tobacco and vape shop siting rules
New rules would treat vape and tobacco shops as a distinct land use, allowed only as conditional uses in C-1 and C-1A districts and kept 1,500 feet from schools, daycares, parks and places of worship. Existing shops are grandfathered.
Solar Energy System Zoning Ordinance
The board adopted a new ordinance setting zoning rules, height restrictions, and decommissioning bond requirements for solar energy systems.
Medical Office Site Plan and Retaining Wall Safety
Commissioners approved revisions for a medical office building but raised concerns about a retaining wall built directly on the property line. Officials suggested reviewing township ordinances to avoid similar future building risks.