Allentown zoning board approves reconversion of property to three-unit dwelling with leased parking condition

The Allentown City Zoning Hearing Board approved an application to reconvert a house to a three-unit apartment configuration, voting 2–1 to grant relief while attaching conditions for parking and code compliance. The board accepted documentary exhibits and heard testimony that the building has long had separate meters, mailboxes and three kitchens.

The decision matters because the board balanced historical use, safety, and neighborhood parking needs. Applicant counsel argued the property’s interior layout and historic use create a dimensional hardship and that reconversion avoids expensive structural changes; neighbors and some board members raised concerns about parking and public-safety access.

Zoning officer Mike told the board that the city’s recently revised zoning ordinance clarifies household definitions and how multiple kitchens and locks affect whether a structure is a single-family dwelling or a multifamily building. He said removing stoves and locks could bring the property into compliance as a single-family dwelling, but acknowledged interpretive gray areas under the new code. The applicant’s representative said the building shows infrastructure for three units and that converting it formally would allow the owner to use the property’s full economic capacity in Allentown’s tight rental market.

During discussion the board focused on parking: under the old code the three-unit configuration would have required roughly 4–5 spaces, while under the new code three units would require three spaces. To resolve that tension the board attached a condition requiring leased parking spaces in addition to the existing garage space; the board and zoning staff agreed the approval should include language allowing the zoning office to verify lease agreements. Board Member (speaker 11) moved to approve the application on the condition that parking requirements be strictly fulfilled, electrical meters be addressed as needed and code compliance be satisfied; Board Member (speaker 10) seconded the motion.

The motion passed 2–1. The board instructed staff to include specific language in the written decision clarifying the number and verification process for the leased parking spaces and to confirm any technical parking-space specifications through the engineering bureau. The board also noted that the applicant must still obtain the necessary apartment permits and will be subject to inspection for fire and apartment-code compliance.

The board’s written decision will include the formal conditions and any required technical specifications; the applicant has the right to appeal under applicable timelines.