Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Multifamily Conversion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends multiple variances and special exceptions to convert 601 Gerard Avenue to two units
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a package of variances and special exceptions that would allow the conversion of 601 Gerard Avenue from a single‑family dwelling back into a two‑unit multifamily property.
On July 14 the York City Planning Commission recommended approval of multiple zoning variances and special exceptions to allow conversion of 601 Gerard Avenue from a single‑family house back into a two‑unit multifamily dwelling.
Staff presented the case and recommended denial on several variance grounds, including a definition variance (because the ordinance permits conversions from institutional, commercial, or industrial uses), dimensional variances, and a parking variance tied to the city’s 1.5 spaces per dwelling requirement. Staff recommended approval of the special exception that permits multifamily conversion pending approval of required variances.
Ernestina Glace, who identified herself as the owner and as a real‑estate investor, told the commission she bought the property expecting duplex status and said the building already has divided utilities and a two‑car garage. Glace told the commission the prior owner had converted the property to single‑family to avoid multiple trash bills but that the physical layout and utilities remain split.
After questions from commissioners about inspection history and occupancy, the commission voted to recommend approval of the definition variance, the dimensional variance, the waiver of the two‑year vacancy special‑exception requirement, the parking variance, and the special exception to permit multifamily use. Roll calls on the motions showed unanimous approval on each item: “Davis. Aye. Wolfe. Aye. Gaines. Aye. Moore. Aye.”
Motions recorded in the transcript covered: (1) recommendation to approve a definition variance to allow conversion from a single family to two units; (2) dimensional variance to permit the conversion; (3) a variance to waive the special‑exception vacancy requirement; (4) a variance to reduce the off‑street parking requirement; and (5) recommendation of the special exception to allow multifamily use contingent on variances.
The commission’s recommendation advances the owner’s application to the zoning board for final action. Staff noted the property’s file includes prior licenses and occupancy history but did not have a complete inspection history on the record at the meeting.
