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Zoning board approves conversion at 623 Court Street with parking conditions
Summary
The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board voted 5–0 to allow a single‑family property at 623 Court Street to be treated as a two‑family dwelling, subject to contingencies including a paved parking pad for two vehicles, moving a hedge to meet setbacks, and securing required curb‑cut permits.
The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance allowing the property at 623 Court Street to be recognized as a two‑family dwelling, provided the owner meets parking and setback contingencies. The board voted 5–0 to approve the request after hearing from the applicant’s representative, Sean Bingham, who said the house already functions as two units with two kitchens and separate meters.
A zoning board member moved to approve the variance "with the contingency that it should be a concrete parking pad suitable for two vehicles," and to require moving the hedge to honor the setback and securing any required curb cut permits. Chairman McDermott called the roll; members Gattens, Walsh, Morris and Welby voted in favor.
The board and city staff reviewed R9 zoning rules and said two‑family dwellings are a permitted use in the R9 district if off‑street parking and other building code items are met. City staff noted records had previously listed the property as a single unit; the owner said he purchased it recently and that two families currently occupy separate units.
Board members stressed that the approval is contingent on completing the parking improvements and complying with setback and permitting requirements; staff said the owner must obtain any necessary permits and that a successful variance holder must wait 30 days to obtain permits unless a waiver is signed. The board’s approval will expire in 12 months if necessary permits and conditions are not met.
