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2023 Zoning Map

The Luzerne County Zoning Map has been updated to reflect conditions existing as of March 15, 2023:

2023 Luzerne County Zoning Map

The map is subject to further updates which may occur due to subsequent re-zonings through ordinance amendment.  To verify the zoning of any parcel under County jurisdiction, inquirers must call 570-825-1567.

The 2023 Zoning Map corresponds to the Luzerne County Zoning Ordinance and Schedule of Fees currently in effect since March 24, 2021:

2021 Luzerne County Zoning Ordinance

2021 Luzerne County Zoning Schedule of Fees

Right-to-Know Requests: Limited Jurisdiction

If you are seeking to file a Right-to-Know Request for zoning or environmental information, please be advised of our limited jurisdiction and read the following at this link.  Right-to-Know Requests may be sent to Assistant Solicitor Laura Dennis.

Zoning Permits

If you are seeking a Zoning Permit or a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, please call or e-mail one of the following staffers:

Priscilla Cuevas 570-825-1589

Adam Yozwiak 570-825-1567

We can help you start the application process via phone and e-mail, and then schedule appointments to complete the fee process and permit issuance.

Subdivision and Land Development

If you are looking to submit a land development or subdivision plan for review or for signatures, please contact Patrick Dooley at 570-825-1565.  Plans and permit applications (with appropriate fees) may also be mailed to the office and we'll respond as soon as we can.  Please call in advance to check fee amounts before submittal.

Widening of Interstate-81

PennDOT is planning to widen I-81 between Nuangola and Wilkes-Barre beginning in 2025. More information on the project can be found at this link.

PennDOT also plans to widen I-81 between Avoca and Scranton (in Lackawanna County) beginning as early as 2028 (this project will take at least 5 years) finishing around 2033.  More information on that project can be found here and here.  The public comment period is Feb. 15 through March 15, 2023.  Comments may be submitted to PennDOT's consultant via e-mail here.

2022 Roadway Safety Review Report

The safety review report for troublesome intersections surveyed in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties between Sept. and October 2022 is available here. The final version of the report, which includes ideas for increasing safety and improving traffic flow at these sites, was published on Jan. 24, 2023.  Questions may be directed to Jonathan Shaw at 570-825-1563.

State Law #247

The latest version of the Municipalities Planning Code is available here.  This is Pennsylvania Act #247 of 1968 as Re-enacted and Amended Through 2021.  This version was published in 2022.

2021-2040 Comprehensive Plan

The final version of the 2021 Lackawanna-Luzerne Counties Comprehensive Plan is available here.

The Plan was adopted by Luzerne County Council on April 27, 2021 (effective May 3, 2021), and by the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners on June 16, 2021.  Final edits were reconciled on June 30, 2021.  The final document was posted and became available online July 16, 2021.

The Comprehensive Plan provides a snapshot of regional conditions and serves as an aspirational thought-piece for guiding the future land-use development of our communities through the year 2040.

State law requires Luzerne County to revise and re-publish its Comprehensive Plan every 10 years.  The project was coordinated with Lackawanna County to create a bi-county regional comprehensive plan in tandem with the development of a bi-county Long Range Transportation Plan (separate but related document).  Outside consultant, Michael Baker International, was utilized to assist the Counties in developing both plans.

2021-2045 Long Range Transportation Plan

The 2021-2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the Lackawanna-Luzerne Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization (LLTS MPO) was adopted unanimously by that body's Coordinating Committee on Feb. 3, 2021.  Updated every five years, the LRTP is a 25-year plan that guides prioritization and investment in the region's transportation infrastructure improvement projects.

The LRTP may be viewed here.  More information can be found on the MPO webpage or by contacting Christopher Chapman at 570-825-1564.

2020 Bicycle-Pedestrian Study

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Study for the Downtown Business Districts of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre was published in December 2020 and adopted by the Lackawanna-Luzerne Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization (LLTS MPO) on Feb. 3, 2021.  More information, including appendices and illustrative maps, can be found here. Questions may be directed to Christopher Chapman at 570-825-1564.

2020-2025 Luzerne County Hazard Mitigation Plan

The 2020 Luzerne County Hazard Mitigation Plan may be viewed here.  The Plan was approved by FEMA and published on Sept. 8, 2020, after receiving favorable review by PEMA on Aug. 19, 2020.  On Sept. 10, 2020, the Luzerne County Planning Commission voted to recommend the Plan be adopted by County Council.  The Plan was adopted by the Luzerne County Council on Oct. 13, 2020.  As of Jan. 22, 2021- sixty-four (64) municipalities within Luzerne County have adopted the Plan.  Adoption of the Plan by municipalities renders those communities eligible to benefit from state/federal hazard mitigation grants, should any be sought, over the five (5) year-period commencing Sept. 8, 2020 and ending Sept. 7, 2025.  Any questions may be directed to Matthew Jones at 570-825-1566.  A 2-page Executive Summary of the Plan's highlights published on Oct. 16, 2021 may be viewed here.

2004 Open Space, Greenways and Outdoor Recreation Master Plan

The 2004 Lackawanna-Luzerne Counties Open Space, Greenways and Outdoor Recreation Master Plan may be viewed here.