by Susan Williams, President/CEO

We continue our series on the Venango County Regional Planning Commission (VCRPC), this month focusing on their role in land development. A Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) is a set of regulations that govern both the division of land into smaller lots and new development processes. This includes both residential and commercial developments. The purpose of a SALDO is to ensure that new developments are safe, well-planned, and in compliance with local land use and zoning laws.

The primary goal of an SALDO is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating land development activities. This includes ensuring that new developments are compatible with existing infrastructure and do not create undue strain on public services. It also ensures that new developments are designed in a way that minimizes potential hazards, such as flooding or erosion. This management is done through both a Floodplain Ordinance and a Stormwater Management Ordinance.

These services are essential for businesses to ensure that they are not negatively impacted by land development activities.

If you are considering making changes to your property, contact the Planning Commission Land Use Planner, Jenna Dillion. Jenna can be reached at 814-432-9698 or by email at jdillion@co.venango.pa.us. If you have any questions about stormwater management or development in local floodplains, contact Geospatial Analyst, Alexandria Shreffler at 814-432-9676 or by email at ashreffler@co.venango.pa.us.

For a comprehensive list of forms and steps to take when beginning a land development, visit bit.ly/PlanningSALDO. The VCRPC is located within the Venango County Courthouse at 1168 Liberty Street in Franklin. In future newsletters we will share information about additional services offered through the commission.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.