Pennsylvania pawn shops face zoning issues

by Many people like going to a pawn shop for their short term lending needs. Not only has it become trendy to do so because of the various reality television shows revolving around the industry, but there is an element of relative anonymity. Moreover, the risk for lenders and pawners like is lessened, because a personal item is put up as collateral, and can be sold by the broker if the loan isn't repaid.
 However, many shop owners are finding it harder to carve out a niche in some communities because of zoning laws levied by local lawmakers. Though many leaders in such regions recognize the importance of short term lenders for citizens, they are seeking to regulate their whereabouts. Pennsylvania owners restricted
Pawn brokers in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, may have to be careful about where they open new storefront locations in the future. According to The Morning Call, lawmakers are now considering crafting new zoning laws that would restrict where a number of businesses can operate, including pawn shops and tattoo parlors. The potential amendment to the law is now under advisement in the city's Planning Commission, the source said, having already been approved of by the city council in August. The law would ban these companies from opening in residential areas and require them to only open small locations, a provision which includes any company located on a corner lot in a residential zone. Moreover, no food or alcohol can be sold there and the owners would have to maintain the storefront in keeping with aesthetic regulations. The Morning Call reported these alterations to the city's code could come as early as October 11, depending on the Planning Commission's suggestions. Less restrictive that other cities
Though Bethlehem shop owners will have to be careful where they choose to buy land, they are not as restricted as many other brokers. Some communities will no longer let pawn shops open within city limits, severely restricting the fast cash options of citizens, potentially leaving them in a financial hole. For example, during the summer, aldermen in Des Plaines, Illinois, voted against a proposed amendment in the city's zoning code that would have allowed a new pawn shop to be opened, The Chicago Tribune reported. Only one of these companies operates in the area, and that's partially because the business pre-dated the restrictions, the source said. So, brokers need to petition for special amendments each time they consider opening a shop in the city.