Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs solicitor to appeal zoning board approval for duplex at 406 West Bridge Street
Summary
Council voted to send solicitor Flagler and Associates to appeal a zoning hearing board decision that allowed a duplex on a 7,500 sq ft lot at 406 West Bridge Street; councilors expressed concern about precedent, setback standards, and legal costs to the borough.
The Morrisville Borough Council voted to direct its solicitor, Flagler and Associates, to appeal a zoning hearing board decision that permitted a duplex at 406 West Bridge Street. The property is a 7,500-square-foot lot where the zoning requirement calls for a 9,000-square-foot minimum for the proposed use; the zoning board also approved a reduced side-yard setback of 7 feet, 6 inches where 10 feet is required, according to the council discussion.
Council members warned that the approval could set a precedent permitting more nonconforming duplex conversions and that legal fees will be paid from borough funds. One council member said the variance appeared to be self-created because the owner split the lot and sought the duplex rather than building a single-family home. A resident, Jane Berger, said she spoke at the zoning hearing in opposition and argued the council should prefer single-family housing in that location.
Council moved, seconded and (after public comment and discussion) voted to authorize the appeal. Several council members said they regretted the use of legal resources but felt the appeal was necessary to uphold setback standards.
