Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission recommends conditional-use approval for conversion at 411 South 14th Street
Summary
After a second review, the commission voted to recommend City Council approve a conditional-use application allowing a conversion to two units at 411 South 14th Street subject to conditions from the zoning hearing board, required rental permits and code compliance.
The City of Reading Planning Commission on Jan. 28 voted to recommend that City Council grant conditional-use approval for a conversion to two units at 411 South 14th Street, subject to conditions in the zoning hearing board decision, obtaining rental permits and compliance with building and fire codes.
Emily, the planning staff member who prepared the report, said the property had been converted to two units before the current owner purchased it and lacked a registration and inspection history. The seller had sought relief from the Zoning Hearing Board and that board granted variances for parking and habitable-area requirements, but city council later determined that parking and habitable-area relief fell under conditional-use authority and denied the prior request.
Joan Lunden, representing the applicant, asked the commission to recommend approval with the same conditions the applicant had offered at the Zoning Hearing Board, including limiting occupancy (the applicant proposed restrictions intended to limit cars), and to add a condition that rental permits be obtained and that all building and fire codes be met. The applicant confirmed she was willing to obtain rental permits and to comply with applicable codes.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about egress, closet requirements, fire safety and whether neighbors had responded to public notice; staff said no objections had been recorded at the prior hearings. Jamar Kelly, Acting Director of Community Development, and other staff said items such as second egress, fire alarms and other fire-code measures would be addressed through Building and Trades and the one-stop permit process if the conditional use were approved.
Chairman moved the commission recommendation that City Council approve conditional use with the zoning hearing board conditions, requirement to obtain rental permits, compliance with building codes and the staff review dated July 25, 2023. The motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor. The commission recorded the vote as unanimous; staff said the commission had six members present.
