Planning Commission approves Special Exception for Six-Foot Fence at 277-79 West Nesquehoning Street, 3–2

Table Zoning and SALDO Amendments Resolution

5 yes, 0 no

Shane Raymond (yes), Kim Wagner (yes), Ken Greene (yes), Hubert Etchison (yes), Bill Heilman (yes)

Special Exception for Six-Foot Fence at 277-79 West Nesquehoning Street

3 yes, 2 no

Shane Raymond (no), Ken Greene (yes), Kim Wagner (yes), Bill Heilman (yes), Hubert Etchison (no)

Approval of Agenda

0 yes, 0 no

Approval of Minutes for October 7, 2026

0 yes, 0 no

277-79 West Nesquehoning Street – Special Exception for Fence Height

277-79 West Nesquehoning Street, Easton, PA

The property owner wants to replace an existing chain-link fence with a six-foot vinyl/composite/stone fence in the side yard, where the South Side district caps fences at four feet without a special exception.

approved (3-2) · still approved

Regional Planning and Data Center Zoning Concerns

The proposed zoning amendments add rules for data centers and truck-generating warehouses. Commissioners clashed over the LVPC-recommended single 24-hour noise standard (55 dBA/70 dBC), wanting day/night distinctions and lower limits, plus questions on 80-foot heights, decommissioning bonds, generator rules, and ambient-neighborhood noise measurement.

What it means: Residents near potential data center or warehouse sites would gain stronger review standards, though some commissioners want even stricter noise limits.

Act 209 transportation impact fee gap

The city can't currently charge developers a transportation impact fee because it lacks an Act 209 plan, which takes about a year and a consultant to prepare. Commissioners want the city engineer's input and discussed whether home rule authority could allow alternative funding mechanisms.

What it means: Without an Act 209 plan, the city forgoes impact fee revenue from large truck-heavy developments; taxpayers may otherwise bear road upkeep costs.

Fence Height Special Exception – 277-79 West Nesquehoning Street

The meeting sparked a debate about whether six-foot side-yard fences should remain special exceptions or become simpler variances/permitted uses. Members worried that removing the special exception would eliminate neighbor notification, while others noted the commission almost never denies these anyway and the fees differ by district ($350 vs $200).

What it means: Property owners currently pay $350 total ($150 planning commission + $200 zoning hearing board) for a special exception but only $200 for a variance — costs that vary by where you live.

Comprehensive Zoning & SALDO Amendments

Proposed changes to Easton's zoning and land development rules are up for review. The commission's recommendation goes to City Council, which makes the final call — so this shapes how future development in the city is regulated.

What it means: Developers, homeowners, and residents who interact with the city's development rules could all be affected by clearer or changed standards.

Side-Yard Shed and Fence Placement Standards

A property owner is seeking a special exception to fence-height rules at 277-79 West Nesquehoning Street. The commission's public hearing gives nearby residents a chance to weigh in before any recommendation moves forward.

What it means: The property owner seeking a taller fence, and potentially neighbors wanting screening along the property line.

Act 209 transportation impact fee gap

The city can't currently charge developers a transportation impact fee because it lacks an Act 209 plan, which takes about a year and a consultant to prepare. Commissioners want the city engineer's input and discussed whether home rule authority could allow alternative funding mechanisms.

What it means: Without an Act 209 plan, the city forgoes impact fee revenue from large truck-heavy developments; taxpayers may otherwise bear road upkeep costs.

Rezoning 203 North 7th Street and 6903 Bushkill Street from River Corridor to West Ward

Part of the map amendments would move these two North 7th Street parcels out of the River Corridor district into the West Ward district. Staff called it a 2020 mapping error correction; neighbors feared it could enable a developer to tear down an older apartment building and block views, while the property owners themselves said it was a mistake and they're not selling.

What it means: The property owners, who say the River Corridor designation was a mistake, and any future use consistent with the West Ward's lower-scale pattern.