Board approves conditional use for orthodontic office at Wissahickon Hall

The White Marsh Township Board of Supervisors voted March 12 to approve conditional use CU‑1‑26, allowing Fort Washington Real Estate LLC and Dr. Brian Ziebrick to open a by‑appointment dental/orthodontic office on the first floor of the Wissahickon Hall building at 451 Bethlehem Pike.

Zoning officer Charlie Guttenplan and the township fire marshal completed technical reviews and identified no areas of concern, and the planning commission recommended approval. Applicant attorney Cel Solade presented an offer of proof with nine exhibits and called Dr. Ziebrick to testify. Dr. Ziebrick said the practice would operate by appointment, expect about four to five patients on site at peak times, and initially be open one day a week in White Marsh with potential to expand to two or three days depending on demand. He testified that the proposed use complies with the township code and would not create adverse traffic, noise or public‑service impacts.

Board members asked about parking and building use; Guttenplan noted a 2015 zoning hearing board variance established a 27‑space standard for the building and that professional office parking standards have since been relaxed, so the building’s parking was deemed sufficient for the proposed office. Dr. Ziebrick said he does not plan to occupy the second and third floors and intends the building’s other spaces for smaller professional offices.

After public procedure was observed and no residents requested party status for cross‑examination, the board closed the public hearing and approved the conditional use by voice vote.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with permitting and building renovations consistent with the township’s zoning and fire requirements. No additional conditions or specific timeline beyond the applicant’s statement — hoping to open in about six months after approvals — were recorded at the meeting.