A proposed amendment to the Fayette County, Penn. zoning ordinance dealing with development around historic sites is being debated. The planning commission previously recommended approval of the amendment, saying that approving the amendment would bring the county into compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, which states that zoning ordinances must protect natural and historic features and resources.

The proposed amendment states that if a commercial development borders or is within 300 feet of a historic property, a landscape screen must be installed. Under the historic provision, parking can’t be dominant in the development and must be put to the side and rear. The amendment includes a list of 72 county properties listed on or eligible for inclusion in the register of historic sites through the Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission.

The amendment includes a provision that the Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development can consult with various historic and/or cultural agencies about development occurring near historic properties.

1. Permeable paving on driveway and walkway to front door.
2. Water channel from roof to a cistern.
3. Water available for wildlife.
4. Pavers with spaces and low-water plants in between.
5. Front lawn replaced by diverse plants with many Calif. native ground covers, shrubs and trees and no invasive species.
6. All plants given the space to grow to their natural size.
7. Plants selected to match the microclimate.
8. Irrigation controller set according to plant needs, soil moisture and weather.
9. A repository to catch leaves for mulch.
10. Deciduous trees placed to the west and southwest for summer cooling.
11. Mulch paths to keep soil covered.
12. Drip irrigation where feasible.
13. Raised beds constructed from plastic or composite lumber.
14. Compost bin to recycle plant and kitchen debris.
15. A windbreak of evergreen trees to block north winter winds
16. Trees not topped but pruned properly.
17. Small lawn in back where family will use it.

Pittsburgh has about 1,400 vacant parcels of land. Some of the land has steep hillsides, making development more challenging.

City Planning Director Noor Ismail told the local media the city needs a plan that ?EUR??,,????'??ties all of the players in together,?EUR??,,????'?? as opposed to various groups all going in their own direction with their own agendas.

The first stage of the plan will begin in the fall with the hiring of a consulting team to identify the uses for these opens spaces and develop strategies. Some of the vacant lands will doubtlessly be integrated into various parks; some will remain open spaces for trails and greenways; some land may get historic designation; urban farming uses have also been suggested.