Applicant proposes 15-unit, three-story building at 611–619 W. 7th; staff, engineer flag setback, fire access and survey issues

A developer presented a sketch plan on April 8 asking the Chester City Planning Commission to consolidate five parcels at 611–619 West 7th Street and build a three‑story, roughly 16,000‑square‑foot multifamily building containing 15 units. The commission’s planning staff and the city engineer said the concept needs further design and documentation before any formal review.

The planning director told the commission the property is zoned R3, which permits multifamily use, and noted the applicant’s zoning table shows multiple standards would be met except for a sideyard setback. "The zoning table admits there's a need for a variance," the director said, adding the proposed setback along the east side is about five to six feet where the ordinance requires 10 feet when adjacent to a single‑family lot.

The applicant, Omar Forbe, said he owns adjacent properties and that the…