Zoning board approves conversion of 204 S. Albemarle to two residential units

The City of York Zoning Hearing Board approved a multifamily conversion for 204 South Albemarle Street, allowing the property to be used as two residential units after granting a set of variances and a special exception.

Applicant Joel Jackson presented deeds, utility-meter records showing two gas and two electric meters, site photos and inspection histories to support that the property had functioned as a two-unit dwelling in the past and to justify relief from numeric or definitional zoning obstacles. Jackson told the board he purchased the property believing it to be a two-unit rental and said the property has been occupied by renters with a steady applicant pool for vacancies.

Why it matters: The decision regularizes a two-unit residential use the applicant said has existed for many years and removes uncertainty for the owner and tenants by authorizing the conversion and waiving the vacancy-related special-exception requirement.

Key findings and board action - The board approved a variance to the zoning code definition/dimensional requirement for a multifamily conversion, a dimensional variance to permit conversion of a single-family structure into two rental units, and a variance waiving the ordinance's two-year vacancy rule. The board also approved the special exception allowing the multifamily conversion under the RS-2 rules. - The planning commission had recommended approval; the planning staff recommended denial of variances but recommended approval of the special exception if variances were granted. The board's votes were unanimous in favor of the applicant.

Evidence and testimony Jackson provided site plans, interior floor plans showing separate kitchens and bathrooms, photographs, and copies of periodic rental/property licensing records. He said the property had two meters and an active history of rentals; he presented those documents to show the property had historically been treated as a two-unit residence.

Implementation and next steps The owner must proceed with any building- or licensing-related compliance steps necessary for two-unit occupancy and maintain required inspections and permits. The board's decision waives the vacancy timing rule and permits conversion with conditions typical for multifamily approvals.

Ending Board members said they were satisfied the applicant provided sufficient documentary evidence to support the requested variances and special exception and voted unanimously to grant the relief, regularizing the property's two-unit status.