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Board approves after-the-fact conversion of 923 North 18th to six units with sidewalk and parking conditions
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Summary
The Zoning Hearing Board approved an after‑the‑fact conversion at 923 North 18th Street to six rental units, requiring the applicant to remove illegal parking that replaced sidewalk, construct an ADA-compliant sidewalk and install curb/curb stops to prevent encroachment.
The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board voted April 20 to approve an after‑the‑fact zoning application for 923 North 18th Street that converts a reconstructed building into six multifamily units, with conditions aimed at restoring pedestrian access and addressing illegal parking that had been installed at the site.
Planning Director Jeff Knight told the board the building was ‘‘in a significantly deteriorated condition’’ when the applicant purchased it and that the property required substantial reconstruction; Knight said the planning bureau supports the six‑unit configuration given the extent of rebuilding and the building’s size. Knight said the planning commission’s conditions require the applicant to remove illegal parking that replaced the required sidewalk and to construct an ADA‑compliant sidewalk with detailing such as tree pits and a compliant curb or curb stops.
Applicant Robert Shokes Jr., sole member of HBG Rent LLC, described a long series of inspections, structural work and fire‑suppression engineering completed during the rehabilitation. He said city inspectors and engineers were involved and that the project included engineered plans and multiple on‑site inspections.
Knight emphasized that any parking that encroaches into the public right-of-way cannot count as private off‑street parking and must be removed; his recommended conditions also included exploring transit pass subsidies for residents to reduce car dependence. Shokes said he would coordinate with staff on a solution that preserves stormwater flow while preventing sidewalk parking.
A motion to approve the special exceptions and variances with the planning commission’s conditions was made and seconded; the board approved by voice vote. The board said it will issue a written decision within 45 days.
The decision allows the owner to proceed with the current six‑unit configuration provided the applicant complies with the sidewalk, parking‑removal and other conditions specified by planning staff.
