Urban Research & Development Corporation
Grant Writing, Design and Planning
Comprehensive Zoning
URDC has specialized in comprehensive planning, zoning and land development regulations since the firm originated in 1968. We have prepared over 120 comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances for rural towns, suburban municipalities, and larger Pennsylvania cities such as Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport and Altoona. We prepared multi-municipal plans in Berks and Lancaster Counties and countywide plans in places such as Franklin County (PA) and Sussex County (DE).
URDC has provided expert testimony on landmark zoning cases that were decided before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. We are experts on the Pennsylvania State Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and have a staff member who serves on a statewide committee of the Pennsylvania Planning Association that has recommended revisions to the MPC. Our advisory role to many attorneys who are well-recognized experts in land use law has created a depth of public and private sector experience unmatched by most firms.
URDC authored the latest city-wide comprehensive plan for this historic Lehigh Valley community of over 72,000 people. A major focus of the plan was how to sustain the City's on-going economic renaissance and cultural development. Our staff updated the City's zoning ordinance to help implement the new plan.
COPLAY BOROUGH
Coplay Borough, incorporated in 1869, is located along the Lehigh River in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Through the comprehensive planning process, results included recreation enhancements to the Ironton Rail Trail, zoning updates, and development of the downtown. The Coplay Comprehensive Plan was adopted by Borough Council on May 11, 2010.
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG
In this comprehensive plan, we helped devise strategies for maintaining the historic setting for the Gettysburg area’s world-famous Civil War attractions. Town and gown matters, and the need to providing more affordable housing were also addressed.
SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE
URDC prepared a new comprehensive plan for Delaware's largest county, it leading farm producer and the State's premier beach resort area. The plan tackled the issue of how to accommodate strong demand for new housing while still conserving farmland and environmental amenities. URDC wrote several zoning ordinance amendments for the County after the County Council adopted their new plan.