Community Development

Department of Community Development (D.C.D.) will build upon the successes of both the code enforcement and planning department.  The overflowing expertise from the code enforcement department will benefit from the inclusion of the subdivisions and land development process. Previously, the interaction between these departments was fragmented and not cohesive. We aim to uniformly and expertly guide residents and developers through our ordinances and state building code requirements.

Current Staff

The Department of Community Development employs four state certified inspectors. Regarding duties: the director serves as the Township zoning officer and manages the planning commission agenda; the two building code officials provide residential and commercial plan review and inspections. The code enforcement officer is primarily responsible for the administration and enforcement of the property maintenance code. The code is intended to provide requirements addressing the public health, safety, and welfare as they relate to the use and maintenance of existing structures and premises. 

Property Maintenance Code Compliance

The code requires existing structures and premises that are not in compliance with the code to be repaired or altered to meet minimum acceptable standards. Provisions of the code apply to all existing residential and non-residential structures and all existing properties including:

• Junk vehicles
• Pest elimination
• Sanitation, weeds, rodent harborage, rubbish, and garbage
• Unsafe conditions Interior and exterior property areas

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

The building inspectors are charged with the administration and enforcement of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. That administration and enforcement responsibilities also include the electrical, fire, fuel gas, mechanical, and plumbing codes. Duties given to Building Code Officials under the UCC include the receipt, review, and issuance of permits relative to:

• Additions
• Alterations
• Demolitions
• New construction
• Removals
• Repairs

Planning Commission Responsibilities and Information

The North Strabane Township Planning Commission is composed of five members, appointed by the governing body, whose primary functions are to review matters pertaining to subdivision, land development, zoning revisions, amendments to the zoning and land development ordinances, and updates to the Comprehensive Plan (hyperlink comprehensive plan). In addition, the planning commission is charged oversee growth and development within North Strabane Township and to ensure the community’s infrastructure is prepared for all growth and development that may occur.

Although the Planning Commission’s role is advisory in nature, its status is critical in developing recommendations for implementing change in land use and promoting responsible land use practices. An important reason for community planning is to anticipate the needs of residents relative to environmental, economic, and human interests.

The planning process requires that all these interests be considered and balance in a responsible manner. By careful planning, the Township can determine how best to promote proper use of land, provide for the efficient movement of goods, preserve natural resources, and achieve the most appropriate and economical use of natural and human resources.