Planning commission recommends variance to allow two-unit conversion at 308 South George Street

The York City Planning Commission on its July meeting recommended approval of a variance to allow conversion of the single-family property at 308 South George Street into a two-unit building.

Staff introduced the case and recommended denial of the variance to the zoning definition of a multifamily conversion in the UN-1 district. In presenting project details, Stephanie Engel, director of project operations for Elite, said the proposal would rehabilitate the three-story structure into two apartments — a first-floor unit and a second/third-floor unit — after stabilizing the basement and remediating mold and rot. "We have done stabilization for the basement," Engel said, adding the project will include an exterior fire exit and separate entry arrangements for the two units.

The commission voted on a motion to recommend approval. A commissioner moved the recommendation, it was seconded, and the roll call recorded Johnson, Burgos, Wolfe and Gaines voting "Aye." The motion carried.

The recommendation is advisory to the zoning hearing board, which will consider the formal variance application; the commission’s vote does not itself grant a zoning change. The applicant noted three off-street parking spaces would be provided and said utilities currently support single-family service but that the project team has equipment ready to serve either configuration.

The record shows staff recommended denial while the commission recommended approval; the zoning hearing board will make the final decision on the variance request.

Next procedural steps: the case record will proceed to the zoning hearing board for a final hearing and determination.