The Gettysburg Planning Commission has been reviewing the proposed rezoning document, developed by a task force and consultant, which includes significant changes to the R-2 Moderate Density Residential zoning district (green areas in the attached map).
A concerning aspect of the proposal is the addition of commercial uses to the R-2 zone, which has historically served as a residential area. The stated purpose of R-2 zoning is to “provide for the development of certain areas of the Borough into residential neighborhoods permitting a variety of housing types.” The proposed changes contradict this purpose by allowing new non-residential uses, such as funeral homes, fraternities/sororities, motels, mixed commercial/residential buildings, and bed and breakfasts—either by right or by special exception.
This change would affect R-2 neighborhoods across the borough, which have so far been largely protected from commercial encroachment. The primary goal of the rezoning effort is to expand housing opportunities, yet reintroducing non-residential uses into these neighborhoods undermines that effort.
In 2021, the council explicitly removed bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals from the R-2 zone, recognizing that these uses competed with available housing and created a transient atmosphere in residential neighborhoods. At that time, they established “Home Stay” regulations but specifically kept them out of R-2. Now the proposed changes would reinstate bed and breakfasts in R-2, reversing that decision with no clear justification.
A related issue is the elimination of Residential Office zoning on Carlisle Street, where larger historic buildings can accommodate a variety of residential and non-residential uses appropriate to this historic area of town. The recommendation is to change this to R-2 and insert the existing Carlisle uses into the residential zoning.
The Planning Commission meets Tuesday Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m. in Borough Hall. It will be discussing this and other aspects of the rezoning. If you’re concerned about your neighborhood, be sure to show up.
Susan Cipperly is a professional land use planner who has lived in Gettysburg for 25 years. She considers her involvement in local planning and zoning issues a way to contribute to the borough in general, and to maintain neighborhoods in particular.
Appreciate the inclusion of the map!