Bethlehem City zoning officer Suzanne Borzak and Darlene Heller, director of planning and zoning, explained the process and purpose of the city's zoning code to a group of about 30 residents at city hall June 11.

Laying out the "ground rules," so to speak, Heller said the meeting was not to discuss particular properties but rather zoning in general. Residents who have questions or complaints about specific properties are invited to contact the zoning officials directly.

The city's comprehensive plan, developed in 2008 and formally adopted in 2009, is a guide for future development. "We want to guide development within the city," Heller explained. The comprehensive plan details "the kind of development we want" as well as where certain development should be restricted.

"We want to encourage more appropriate yet flexible development in the urban core," Heller said, noting the goal is to "maintain existing healthy neighborhoods and protect sensitive areas."

The plan indicates what use of a property is permitted in certain areas, whether commercial, industrial or residential. Heller also explained that when a property owner wishes to do something not in the permitted use in the zone, it is possible to apply for a use variance. A property owner wishing to build closer to the property line or higher than permitted in the zone may apply for a dimensional variance.

The zoning officer reviews the variance, looking for residents to show hardship if the variance is not granted. Approval of neighbors is also a part of the variance process. "We have to look at them case by case," Heller said.

If a resident is not satisfied with the zoning officer's decision, he or she may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. The board consists of five members who are nominated by the mayor and must be approved by city council.

Borzak explained the process of handling complaints of zoning violations. She personally checks on each reported violation and will first make a phone call to the resident regarding a violation. Often, Borzak said, a phone call is enough to get the resident to comply with any zoning codes.

If not, Borzak said she will send an enforcement notice, and the resident will have 30 days to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. If the resident is still not in compliance, a civil complaint is filed with the local magistrate.

Heller said the comprehensive plan combines plans for future development with the need for historic preservation. The plan also integrates the city subdivision and land development ordinance, capital improvements plan, and the zoning ordinance. Since its adoption in June 2012, the zoning ordinance has had eight amendments. Amendments are an important part of keeping the ordinance current, she said.

The comprehensive plan also covers workforce housing incentives for low and moderate income, as well as green building provisions and design guidelines. The plan also covers environmental concerns such as flood planes, open spaces and steep slopes.

In addition, the comprehensive plan addresses historic resources that are not in the city's three historic districts, as well as parking, home offices and streetscapes, such as those on Broad Street. Existing buildings prior to the adoption of the plan are exceptions, Borzak said.

Zoning of a particular lot within a zone can be changed, either by property owner request if approved, by the planning commission or by city council, Heller said.