Planning commission denies variance request for 2140 North 2nd Street, cites variance standard and parking concerns

The Harrisburg Planning Commission voted to deny an application to convert the single‑family property at 2140 North 2nd Street into a three‑unit multifamily dwelling after a lengthy discussion about variance standards and parking evidence.

Staff recommended denial, saying the applicant had not shown unique conditions that would justify variance relief and noting that conversions that previously succeeded had different factual circumstances. Jeff, planning bureau staff, reminded commissioners that the lot area (not structure size) controls density relief, and he raised concerns about substantial‑improvement thresholds that could require floodproofing. Several commissioners said the property had recently functioned as a single‑family home and that the legal standard for a variance was not clearly met.

Owner Steven Toole argued the block has many multifamily properties, highlighted proximate commercial parking at Governor's Plaza and past conversions he completed, and supplied anecdotal rent figures. Commissioners suggested the applicant could return with documented lease agreements or a negotiated parking lease that would address the practical parking concerns.

A neighbor spoke during public comment raising concerns about a large street tree dropping branches and roots that damage her concrete and about the potential parking impact on an elderly tenant. After discussion, a motion to deny the application was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff recommended the applicant consider the zoning hearing board for guidance on variance strategy and possible mitigation measures such as a parking lease to make a future application more viable.