Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dormont public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in zoning
Vape shop regulation ordinance
A draft ordinance would make new vape shops conditional uses needing Planning Commission approval, keep them out of the transit-oriented district, and require 1,000 feet of separation from existing shops. Residents and commissioners worry about vape shop density on the commercial strip and want loopholes closed before council acts.
Vape shop zoning regulations
Council moved forward with a new ordinance regulating vape shops and updating conditional-use standards in the development code. A public hearing and special voting meeting are set for August 24 after county and planning commission review.
Short-term rental regulation
After complaints about loud parties and LLCs exploiting a loophole with 31-day rentals, council is weighing turning short-term rentals into a conditional use requiring council approval. Current operators would be grandfathered in.
Front-yard parking pad variance, 1666 McFarland Road
A homeowner wants to pave a 10x14-foot parking pad in the front yard, which isn't allowed without a variance in Dormont's residential street-loaded district. With no applicant at the hearing, the board couldn't weigh the hardship and the borough's denial stands for now.
Dormont Junction light rail station renovation lighting
PRT is renovating the Dormont Junction light rail station and needs brighter platform lighting than the borough's zoning code allows. The board weighed safety and security lighting against light spillover onto nearby homes.