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Board conditionally approves duplex variance at 550 Cone Street after lease evidence presented
Summary
The zoning board granted relief allowing 550 Cone Street to be treated as a duplex, contingent on payment of outstanding rental-license fees; counsel presented lease documents and photographs to show two units were in continuous use during the period in question.
The Norristown Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance for 550 Cone Street that allows the property to be treated as a duplex, contingent on the applicant paying outstanding rental-license fees.
Counsel Patrick Blair for the applicant Joshua Drebs introduced lease documents and photographs (exhibits A1–A7) intended to show that both units were leased or occupied during the year the municipality classified the property as abandoned for licensing purposes. Drebs testified he bought the property in 2019 as a duplex and that he did not intend to abandon the two-unit use; he said he believed renewal notices went to the prior property manager and that any lapse was administrative rather than an abandonment. Drebs confirmed he would pay back rental-license fees as required.
Municipal staff reported the last valid rental license on the record was issued in 2022 and noted the municipal process for licensing and inspections. After closing the record the board voted to approve the application on the condition the applicant pays any outstanding rental-license fees. The board’s decision restores the property’s ability to operate as a two-unit rental once licensing obligations are satisfied.
