The Joint Zoning Program was established in 1997, and is similar to the Joint Planning Program. The municipalities must have a County sponsored joint comprehensive plan in place to be eligible to participate in this program. County Planning Commission staff will assist the municipalities similar to the Joint Planning Program.
Ordinances prepared under the Joint Zoning Program must conform to the standards set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, including the formation of a joint Zoning Hearing Board, and be consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Municipalities have the option to retain their existing zoning hearing boards to administer the joint zoning ordinance for properties located within their individual municipalities. Municipalities also have the option to appoint a single zoning officer to administer the entire jurisdiction of the ordinance.