Pleasant Hills council last night approved an amendment to an existing zoning ordinance that regulates or imposes limited restrictions within certain areas on the types of vehicles a local car dealership can sell.

The amendment provides that a vehicle sales agency that no longer sells new vehicles because of the loss of a franchise or manufacturer's authorization may sell and service used vehicles on that same lot.

According to borough Solicitor Fred Jug, it provides a niche for those dealers who lose their franchise.

"Unfortunately, that's what is going on in the economic climate today," he said.

Council also approved an update to a 1948 dog-licensing ordinance to remove a three-month inconsistency with county regulations and to bring it into conformity with the annual licensing period that runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.The borough's annual licensing period expired March 31.

Hand-held sparkling devices, novelties and toy caps are now legal in the borough following a amendment to a borough ordinance that had prohibited all types of fireworks. Residents also will be permitted to construct parking pads from porous pavement and gravel grass in an expansion of current regulations requiring an impervious surface for these structures.

"It's part of the concept of going greener and to use materials that are more environmental friendly," Solicitor Jug said.