Policy Work Session - 8/26/2026

The City of Harrisburg held a policy work session on August 26, 2026, focused on discussing potential amendments to the city's zoning code, which has not been updated since 2014. The meeting included detailed presentations from city planning officials and members of the planning commission, highlighting the need to modernize the zoning code to better reflect current development practices, historical building patterns, and future sustainability and resiliency challenges such as climate change and floodplain management. Key topics included revising use tables to accommodate new business types, adjusting setback and parking requirements to better fit the city's historic urban fabric, and improving clarity and predictability in zoning regulations to facilitate economic development. The discussion also addressed the importance of community involvement in the amendment process and the challenges faced by property owners in historic districts, including compliance with preservation guidelines and the need for better upfront disclosure during property transactions. While no specific procurement or contract awards were discussed, the session laid groundwork for future policy and regulatory updates that could impact development and construction activities in Harrisburg.