COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
James R . Morrison , Director
urrysville MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE NEWS
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The Department continued the plan review process and inspection of building activity throughout the Municipality . Murrysville has experienced an increase in construction activity over previous years . In 2016 , 56 single family residential permits were issued which represents an increase from the 2015 total of 43 permits .
There were a total of 17 commercial occupancy permits issued for new commercial activity which included additional build-out and occupancy of several businesses in shopping plazas . Two new large commercial establishments were also given site plan approval in 2016 . A site plan was approved for Conley Auto Body on Route 22 , directly across from the Manordale Farms plan . The other development involves a total rebuild of the the Sheetz Store at the intersection of Route 22 and School Road South . The new Sheetz will feature an indoor seating area as well as a drivethrough facility .
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ACTIVITIES Implementation of the Traffic Impact Fee Plan and Capital Improvement Plan , which was adopted by Council in December 2015 , began in 2016 . The Plan included the development of a Transportation Capital Improvements Plan and Traffic Impact Fees that are assessed to developers to assist in its implementation . In 2016 , the recommendations of this Plan were incorporated into the five-year Municipal Capital Improvements Plan and Budget . Specifically , the Transportation Advisory Committee and Council reviewed projects recommended by the Plan and decided to program dollars toward a project that would construct a new bridge from Logan Ferry Road to Sardis Road on a site slightly north of the existing deteriorating bridge connection . The new project will provide for safer access and assist in the alleviation of traffic congestion at the intersection of Sardis Road and Old William Penn Highway .
MARCELLUS SHALE ZONING EFFORTS
During the first quarter of 2016 , substantial efforts were made by the Municipality to provide education on the important issue of Marcellus shale drilling . Three educational sessions were conducted in the Council Chambers and broadcasted live on Channel 19 . The first session included representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP ) who discussed the role that they play in the permitting and inspection process of these well sites . Particular attention was given to recommended new regulations on drilling that enhance these efforts .
The second session featured representatives from Huntley and Huntley , a drilling company . At this session , examples were given on how the industry utilizes “ best management practices ” to reduce impacts of drilling operations . The speakers also presented an overview of the intricacies of the drilling process .
The final session included researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University who discussed findings of their research on health and safety impacts of unconventional drilling . The presentation focused on potential impacts on air quality from diesel engines associated with delivery trucks and
54 Murrysville engines on the site . Also discussed were potential hazards on a drilling site .
All of the programs were very well attended and excellent questions were presented by attendees to allow for a very civil dialogue on these important issues . As a result of these sessions , revisions were made to the draft pending ordinance . These revisions were presented and discussed by Council and received extensive public input . A formal public hearing was held in December 2016 , and discussion and voting on the proposed ordinance is projected to be completed in spring , 2017 .
A third-party reporting system for enforcement of code inspections was acquired to assist the Code Enforcement officers to collect , organize , and track fire and life safety test results . There was no capital outlay for this program by the Municipality , as fees will be paid by third party contractors .
CODE ENFORCEMENT
The Department remains active in code enforcement activities and responses to violations reported by residents or observed in the field . In cases where compliance is not achieved due to inability to locate a property owner or obtain a response in a timely manner , property violations are addressed , where possible , and then liens are placed on the properties for the cost of any enforcement actions . There are two full-time building inspectors / code officials to carry out these tasks .
The Department continues to update its mapping , using parcel data from Westmoreland County and any approved subdivision plans . In addition , the staff is continuing training to maximize its use of the Geographic Information Systems technology to keep property data organized , log all permit activity , and improve mapping .
ZONING ORDINANCE UPDATES
The Planning Commission continued their efforts to recommend revisions to certain portions of the Zoning Ordinance in response to recommendations made by the adopted 2015 Comprehensive Plan . The areas of focus include sections of landscaping , architectural standards , sign provisions and parking requirements . The Ordinance has also been reviewed by staff to assure consistency with the new Comprehensive Plan .