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Springdale neighbors urge enforcement after homeowner advertises 101 East Springettsbury as rooming house
Summary
Neighbors of a historic Springdale home told council the property at 101 East Springettsbury has been advertised on short-term platforms and is operating out of compliance with RS-1 zoning. The city solicitor said a notice of violation has been issued and the next step would be a zoning appeal or compliance action.
Residents of the Springdale neighborhood raised objections during public comment about a property at 101 East Springettsbury that neighbors say has been converted from single-family use to a rooming/boarding operation and is being advertised online.
Solictor Flowers told council the zoning officer inspected the property and determined it is out of compliance with the zoning ordinance; a notice of violation was issued. Under Pennsylvania law, the homeowner can choose to correct the violation, or appeal the notice to the zoning hearing board; adjacent property owners will receive notice if the matter goes to the zoning hearing board and may comment there.
Heather Leinen Decker and other Springdale residents told council the homeowner had previously been advised she needed a variance to operate a rooming or boarding house but continued work and advertising. Decker said the house is being advertised on platforms including Airbnb and Furniture Finders, which neighbors say escalates concerns.
Longtime Springdale resident Mike Johnson said Springdale is one of only two RS-1 districts in the city and that residents organized and sometimes set aside funds to hire legal assistance for zoning matters. He asked the city to preserve RS-1 character and said the neighborhood’s historic homes have been maintained when supported by zoning protections.
Solicitor Flowers and city staff said they will be available to neighbors with questions about next steps and the appeals process. Council did not take any formal land-use action during public comment; staff said the zoning hearing board is the venue for appeals and neighbor input if the homeowner appeals the notice of violation.
