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Zoning board approves live-music venue at 234 North Second Street with 105 dB limit
Summary
The board approved a variance for a proposed live-music venue at 234 North Second Street, requiring soundproofing, removal of a permanent sidewalk fence and a sustained 105 dB maximum for performances.
The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance to establish a live-music venue at 234 North Second Street, contingent on conditions including acoustic mitigation and a sustained sound-level cap.
Claude Phipps, acting as the hearing officer, announced approval after hearing planning bureau testimony and applicant evidence. Phipps said he would approve the application “contingent upon the condition set forth in the resolution of the planning commission, as well as, a condition that, the sound level for performances, with respect to 234 North Second Street will not exceed a hundred and 5 decibels on the sustained basis.”
Jeffrey Knight, director of planning, summarized the planning bureau’s finding that the property previously accommodated live-music uses but showed a longer period of abandonment in tax-records for amusement tax filings. Knight said the building’s masonry and concrete construction and planned new soundproofing make it a suitable candidate for reestablishing a music venue. He confirmed planning commission conditions had been met, including removal of a permanent fence that previously reduced sidewalk width and was not ADA compliant.
Applicant counsel Eric Hume and principal Craig Dunkel presented a narrative, contractor estimates and a contractor’s affidavit. Acoustic consultant Justin Hershey testified his firm would achieve “a 75 to 80% reduction in sound transmission of all frequencies” and that planned treatment would reduce in-room levels compared with historic uses. The applicants agreed to a sustained 105 dBA performance limit; counsel said the owner of the adjacent business indicated that condition made them supportive.
The record includes proof of publication (Patriot-News April 6 and April 13, 2025), posted notice (March 26, 2025), meeting documentation (community meeting April 16, 2025) and numerous support letters. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions tying land development and building-permit review to the zoning relief.
Phipps told counsel a written decision will be provided within 45 days and accepted the applicant’s request that the decision be emailed.
