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Zoning board approves conversion of 705 East Philadelphia Street to two units
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Summary
The board granted variances and a special exception permitting 705 East Philadelphia Street to be restored to two residential units after the owner described the property as previously occupied by two families and the project addressed parking and utility arrangements.
City of York zoning officials approved variances and a special exception to allow a conversion of the property at 705 East Philadelphia Street back to a two‑unit residence.
Kip Kelly, an architect representing owner Amos Zook, said Zook bought the property in May 2025 after it was condemned in August 2024 and intends to rehabilitate it as two rental units. Kelly said the building already has two entrances and two electric meters installed in 2016, and argued the rehabilitation supports the redevelopment authority’s goals of eliminating blight and restoring properties to productive use.
Neighbors and the board questioned parking and utility arrangements. The owner and his representatives discussed a garage with two stalls and a plan to achieve a third parking place by using tandem parking arrangements; transcript participants noted potential impervious‑coverage consequences if yard paving is expanded.
The board moved to approve a definitional variance to allow multifamily conversion to two units, a dimensional variance and parking variances where needed, and a special exception. Each motion was seconded and the board recorded unanimous ayes from members present.
With zoning approvals complete, the owner may continue rehabilitation and obtain permits for construction and occupancy.
