After more than 30 years, Mt. Lebanon has a new zoning code, but it could already have some changes in the works.

Without fanfare, commissioners unanimously approved a code Monday night that provides for Bed and Breakfasts in the municipality, while it relaxes strict rules for air conditioner placement and fence design.

The code replaces a version which has remained substantially the same since 1972.

Commissioners also asked that the municipal planning board look at the portion of the code that sets some residential design guidelines to make sure they are appropriate.

The planning board will review the guidelines, seek public comment and then make any necessary amendments to the code.

The code, which has taken more than two years of drafts and revisions to prepare, becomes effective immediately.

Commissioners held a public hearing on the code this month, but, because of another lengthy hearing the same night, few people remained to comment on it.

Bed and Breakfasts will be allowed in commercial districts or in residential districts within 200 feet of the Washington Road business district.

In order for a Bed and Breakfast business to be considered, the owner/operator must live there.

The maximum number of overnight guests is eight, with no more than two in a bedroom. Meals may be served only to overnight guests.

Driveways that connect to a house's front-facing garage are now able to be two feet from the side property line. Previously, they had to be at least five feet from the line.

Building standards were instituted so construction would be compatible with existing housing.

Homeowners who build must mimic at least three of the following items from nearby homes: roof style, garage orientation and access, building layout, square footage, front porch, exterior building material or pattern of window and door openings.

While most fences must have open areas between slats, people may now install shadowbox fences, which let some light in but also give privacy.

Air conditioners in areas zoned for single-family houses now may be seven feet from the side property line. Previously, units had to be 15 feet from the line, which sometimes wasn't possible.

People in that situation had to appear before the zoning hearing board to ask for a variance.

In addition to the zoning code, commissioners adopted an ordinance that regulates sexually oriented businesses such as cabarets, arcades and retail stores.

The previous code did not address such businesses, which meant they could have opened anywhere a similar business would be permitted. For example, an adult bookstore would have been able to open anywhere a regular bookstore could go.

The new code sets minimum distances from such businesses to places of worship, schools and parks.