Author Archive

CGA Law Firm President and Shareholder Craig Sharnetzka has been recognized on the Central Penn Business Journal’s 2024 Power 100 List. This list recognizes leaders from various fields, such as law, finance, education, government, healthcare, business, and nonprofits. The Central Penn Business Journal’s editorial team and leadership curate this list based on the impact these individuals have on our communities and the quality of life in Central Pennsylvania. “It is certainly an honor to be recognized in the Power 100 List along with many talented and influential business and community leaders. I am humbled to be included on this list… read more »

Most municipalities include within their Zoning Ordinances a procedure permitting landowners within their prospective municipalities to request a rezoning for a parcel within the municipality. The rezoning request is a request to amend the municipalities zoning map. A municipality upon such request should review its Ordinance provisions to ensure that proper procedure is being followed, all information required in the application is provided, and that any necessary fee is paid. Generally, a rezoning request is a good opportunity for the municipality to seek advice and counsel from its own Planning Commission as well as from the York County Planning Commission…. read more »

The Sunshine Act was amended by Act 65 of 2021 providing new requirements for publishing and posting public meeting agendas and new restrictions on when public bodies may vote on at meetings on matters not listed in the published agenda. These Amendments to the Sunshine Act are effective August 29, 2021.The agenda is required to contain a listing of each matter of agency business that will be or may be the subject of or deliberation of or official action at the meeting.All government agencies, including but not limited to Counties, Townships, Boroughs, and Authorities, that have a publicly accessible website are… read more »

Article by: Craig Sharnetzka With the improving economy over the last several years, municipalities have again been receiving subdivision and land development plans from both commercial and residential developers.  Completion of required improvements such as streets, walkways, curbs, gutters, water mains, sanitary sewers, storm sewers and other improvements as are required by a municipality’s Subdivision And Land Development Ordinance are a prerequisite to final approval.  One exception, of course, is that  a developer may propose financial security in lieu of  completion of the improvements.  Municipalities often provide in their respective Subdivision and Land Ordinances requirements as to financial security provided… read more »

Article by: Craig Sharnetzka It is a common misconception that municipalities are permitted to place referenda on the ballot for any area of law; however, in Pennsylvania municipal referenda are restricted to only specific areas of law. The Pennsylvania legislature has never enacted general initiative and referendum provisions that would allow local governments to place referenda on the ballots for any area of law sought to be changed, created, or repealed; with the exception of counties and municipalities that adopt home rule charters and third class cities. Using nonbinding referenda is neither permitted nor prohibited by statute of the Pennsylvania Constitution. The… read more »