Municipal Planner: Ian McMeans
PH: 412-343-3620
Email: imcmeans@mtlebanon.org [1]
Before any development project in Mt. Lebanon larger than a single-family home can begin, developers must get approval from the planning office to ensure the project meets the requirements of applicable ordinances. The office reviews plans and guides developers through the initial stages to ensure compliance with the zoning code, working closely with the municipal engineer, building inspection, economic development and commercial districts offices.
Once submitted, the plans go before a five-member volunteer planning board, which grants preliminary approval and recommends final approval to the Commission. Developers must then obtain permits from the inspection office before beginning construction. The planning department typically handles a few large-scale and smaller projects each year and oversees property line adjustments and studies that shape Mt. Lebanon’s long-term goals.
NEW The municipality adopted a new comprehensive plan, Ascend Lebo, in January 2024. Work began in May 2022, and the plan’s adoption marked the culmination of a year and a half of planning to guide the next decade of development priorities. To ensure transparency, the municipality developed a dashboard on the website to track progress toward meeting the plan’s goals and objectives. Key focus areas include civic engagement, mobility and transportation, resiliency, parks and recreation and financial management. The plan will guide project prioritization and capital investments over the next decade. Track the progress at mtlebanon.org/comprehensiveplan
NOTEWORTHY In 2022, the municipality completed the Parks Master Plan and Recreation Center Feasibility Study, which included more than 180 recommendations. These recommendations are divided between system-wide and park-specific improvements. Mt. Lebanon continued its implementation of the Parks Master Plan with the Mt. Lebanon Park Site Plan and Architectural Study, improvements to Sunset Hills Park, maintenance work at Mt. Lebanon Park, the approval and implementation of a system-wide signage package and other improvements.
As part of the Parks Master Plan, the municipality conducted an overall site plan to guide future investments in Mt. Lebanon Park. The project also included an architectural study of the Recreation Center. Over the past two years, the collaborative team of Pashek+MTR and DRAW Collective worked with municipal staff and community stakeholders to finalize the plan and create a long-term vision for the park.
The Ascend Lebo Comprehensive Plan recommended an Activae Transportation Plan. Mt. Lebanon and the Borough of Dormont are collaborating on the plan, selecting Toole Design, Inc. as the firm to lead the project. The plan will guide street design and infrastructure projects, focusing on mobility and accessibility for all users. Planning work is expected to begin this year.
NEED TO KNOW Another recommendation of the Ascend Lebo Comprehensive Plan was a review and update of the municipality’s ordinances related to Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development (SALDO). Municipalities generally consider a refresh of their zoning ordinances as a compendium to newly adopted comprehensive plans to ensure that new development projects can meet the plan’s goals. The Zoning and SALDO update will commence this year.
In 2023, the municipality hired consultants to conduct a structural analysis of the South Parking Garage. The analysis showed the garage has about five years of useful life remaining. The municipality contracted with WTW Architects/AE Works to perform a feasibility study and architectural analysis, aiming to incorporate the study into an RFP for a public-private partnership related to mixed-use redevelopment.