Cleona Borough has approved a comprehensive new zoning ordinance after months of work, according to an October 8, 2026 report from LebTown. The changes include a new definition for data centers, revisions to residential zoning and an updated definition of pets.
For people who own a home in Cleona, are considering improvements or are comparing properties in the borough, the important takeaway is not that every property suddenly changed. Zoning rules set the framework for how land and buildings may be used, but the effect on a particular home depends on its zoning district, current use and the project or activity being considered.
What Cleona Borough approved
LebTown reported that Cleona Borough Council approved the comprehensive zoning ordinance at its October 2026 meeting. The ordinance addresses several topics, including:
Source status checked October 8, 2026
LebTown reported that Council approved the comprehensive zoning ordinance at its October 5 meeting. The Borough’s October 5 agenda identifies the zoning and map amendments as Ordinance 337. Earlier Borough records used 336 for the zoning proposal, while the May 4 minutes record adoption of a solid-waste ordinance numbered 336.
We have not verified the final adopted zoning text, signed map or effective date. Confirm those documents with Cleona Borough before relying on a particular provision for your property.
- Data centers: The ordinance now defines a use that the borough had not previously defined.
- Residential zoning: The ordinance includes changes affecting residential zoning.
- Pets: The ordinance updates the definition of pets.
Residents had previously asked how properties moving from one land-use classification to another would be treated. Borough solicitor Colleen Gallo explained at the meeting that a property use would be grandfathered as long as the use remains consistent with what existed before the changes, according to LebTown.
That is useful context, but it is not a property-specific determination. Owners should confirm the applicable district, permitted uses and any approval requirements directly with Cleona Borough before relying on the ordinance for a renovation, business use, accessory structure or other plan.
What “grandfathered” may mean for an existing property
An existing lawful use does not necessarily have to stop simply because zoning language or a district designation changes. However, questions can arise when a use is expanded, discontinued, changed or rebuilt. The facts of the property matter.
If you own a home with a feature or use that may not fit the new rules, keep permits, approvals, surveys and other records that help document its history. Before changing that use, ask the borough whether a zoning permit, special exception, variance or other review is required. A buyer should not assume that something visible at a property is automatically permitted or can be expanded later.
Questions Cleona homeowners and buyers should ask
The new ordinance makes property-level due diligence especially important. Depending on your plans, useful questions may include:
- What zoning district applies to the exact parcel?
- Is the current use permitted, nonconforming or subject to an earlier approval?
- Would an addition, garage, shed, fence, deck or change in parking require a permit?
- Are there setback, lot-coverage, height or occupancy rules that affect the plan?
- Does a home occupation, rental arrangement or proposed business use require approval?
- Do the updated pet definitions affect the type or number of animals planned for the property?
- What documentation should transfer to a buyer when a use is grandfathered?
Start with Cleona Borough for the official ordinance, zoning map, permit process and municipal contact information. For a consequential project or disputed use, consider advice from a qualified land-use professional or attorney. This article is general information, not legal advice.
How zoning fits into the bigger Cleona picture
Zoning is one part of evaluating a home and community. Our Living in Cleona guide brings together the borough’s location, history, schools, parks, local businesses and real estate context. Cleona is a compact borough along Route 422, separate from neighboring Annville Township but connected through the Annville-Cleona School District and everyday travel.
That distinction matters because a Cleona mailing address does not by itself establish municipal boundaries, zoning, school assignment or property taxes. Buyers comparing nearby options can use our factual Cleona vs. Annville comparison to understand the municipal differences before narrowing a search.
Housing conditions also vary by street, property type, age and renovation history. The Cleona Borough housing-market report tracks monthly sales, prices, new listings and inventory, while our moving-to-Cleona checklist covers practical items such as utilities, services and address-specific verification.
Planning to sell a Cleona home after the zoning update?
Sellers should avoid making broad claims about what a buyer can build, operate or change. If zoning, permits or a nonconforming use may be relevant, gather the records early and direct property-specific questions to the borough. Clear documentation can help buyers and their advisers evaluate the property without depending on assumptions.
Our Cleona home-selling guide covers preparation, pricing, offers and closing considerations. Team Sechman’s documented local experience and represented transactions are available on our Cleona real estate page.
The bottom line
Cleona’s new zoning ordinance is a meaningful municipal update, but its effect will not be identical for every property. The safest approach is simple: identify the exact parcel and zoning district, describe the current or proposed use clearly, and obtain an answer from Cleona Borough before spending money or making a real estate decision based on an assumption.
Source note: This summary is based on LebTown’s October 8, 2026 report, “Cleona Borough approves comprehensive zoning ordinance,” and the ordinance document embedded with that report. Check the borough’s official materials for the controlling text and any later amendments.