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Zoning board approves variance to convert 25 North 11th Street into one‑bedroom residence
Summary
The Columbia Borough Zoning Hearing Board approved variances allowing conversion of 25 North 11th Street to a one‑bedroom dwelling, imposing conditions including one off‑street parking space and a ban on short‑term rentals; a written decision will follow within 45 days.
The Columbia Borough Zoning Hearing Board approved variances to allow conversion of the building at 25 North 11th Street into a one‑bedroom dwelling, with conditions that include providing one off‑street parking space and a prohibition on short‑term rentals.
Giselle, the borough manager serving as acting zoning officer, opened the hearing and said, "This hearing is concerning 25 North 11th Street requesting variances to enable the conversion of the existing structure into a dwelling unit," and reviewed procedural rights under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, including who may be recognized as parties and the 45‑day deadline for a written decision.
The board formally recognized the record owners and applicants, Fred Chaboya and Erin Chaboya, and neighbor Donna Swartz of 1104 Walnut Street as parties. Amos Lapp presented on behalf of the applicants, describing the proposal as a conversion to a single one‑bedroom unit in a structure with about 1,336 square feet of living area and an existing accessory shed of about 193 square feet. Lapp said the owners do not plan future enlargements and described one 10‑by‑20 off‑alley parking space on the property.
Board members asked whether the unit would be owner‑occupied or rented; Lapp and the owners said it would remain in family ownership and the applicants agreed on the record to a condition that the property not be used as a short‑term rental. The solicitor read standard conditions tying the approval to the current owners and their successors and noted that compliance with conditions will be required.
A motion to accept the requested variances for parking and use, subject to the conditions read by the solicitor, was made and seconded. The board approved the motion by roll call vote; the chair announced, "Motion carries to approve the variance for 25 North 11th Street." The board said a written decision would be issued within 45 days of the close of testimony.
The approval permits conversion of the existing structure to a single residential dwelling under the dimensional and off‑street parking variances granted; it does not authorize expansion beyond the building as presented. The written decision will specify the precise conditions and any limitations on future changes.
The hearing record remains open only for the purpose of issuing the written decision; the board may also take the matter under advisement or conduct quasi‑judicial deliberations in executive session prior to issuing its written findings and order.
No public financial subsidies, permits from other agencies, or separate land‑use approvals were announced at the hearing; questions about building permits, inspections, or compliance with other borough codes were not resolved in the public record and will follow standard permitting processes.
