Public Safety

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety includes the Police & Fire Departments, Code Enforcement & Zoning, and Rental Registration.​

This Department also oversees the Beaver Falls Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Boards.

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Planning Commission

​The City Planning Commission consists of seven residents who serve as volunteers appointed by City Council for staggered terms of four years. The Planning Commission works toward providing for the coordinated development of the City and the general welfare of its people.

The functions of the Planning Commission are to review subdivisions, land development plans, conditional use applications and lot line changes, and to make recommendations regarding these to City Council.

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Because planning is a continuous process which shapes and guides the physical growth of the City in harmony with its social and economic needs, the Planning Commission urges all members of the public to attend its meetings and make known their views.

Regular monthly meetings are held in the City Building, in Council Chamber on the second floor, the second Thursday of every month. In order to be placed on the agenda, application and plans must be submitted to the Code Enforcement & Zoning Department at least two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting. Special meetings will be announced and advertised as scheduled.

In the event that no business is scheduled on the agenda, no meeting will be held.

Announcement

​City of Beaver Falls is accepting letters of interest from City residents who would like to serve on the City Planning Commission which currently has one (1) vacancy seat available. Letters of interest must be submitted to Eva Rose, at the City Building, 715 – 15th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Letters will be accepted until seats are filled.

Zoning Hearing Board

​The purpose of the Zoning Hearing Board is to help assure fair and equitable application of the Zoning Ordinance by hearing appeals to the Zoning Officer’s decisions and where appropriate granting relief from the literal enforcement of the Ordinance. Since the Board is quasi-judicial in nature and has no legislative power.

The Board has exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals and render final decisions, including but not limited to challenges to the validity of the zoning ordinance, procedural questions or defects, determinations of the zoning officer, appeals from determinations of the zoning officers with regard to requests for variances, special exceptions, and transfer of development rights.

The Board can not:

• make nor modify zoning policy
• enact or amend the Zoning Ordinance
• create or change any zoning classifications

The Zoning Hearing Board consists of four members (3 + 2 alternates) appointed by City Council, each serving four-year, staggered terms. Members of the Board do not receive compensation for the performance of their duties.

The Code Compliance Coordinator schedules hearings for submitted applications of appeals for the Board. During the hearing evidence is submitted. A written decision is subsequently issued based upon the facts presented and interpretation of applicable laws.

Its scope of activities is limited to those permitted by the PA Municipalities Planning Code and the local Zoning Ordinance.