Chester zoning board approves conversion of 807 West 8th Street to two units

The City of Chester Zoning Hearing Board on July 15 approved a special exception and variance allowing the conversion of 807 West 8th Street from a single‑family dwelling to a two‑unit residential building. The board voted 4‑0 after hearing testimony from the applicant’s representative, who said the three‑story building will be divided into two units and three off‑street spaces will be added in the rear.

Yacine Juchette, representing owner QAB LLC, told the board the existing building has 2,521 square feet of heated habitable area, short of the 3,000 square feet required under the zoning standard for two units, which is why the variance was sought. “We are proposing 3 spaces in the rear with 1 on the street,” Juchette said, and confirmed both units meet minimum bedroom sizes. The board and applicant agreed there will be no extension of the building’s footprint.

Nearby residents raised concerns about parking placement, tree removal, and tenant behavior. Stacia Drain, whose mother lives at 805 West H Street, asked where the rear parking would be located; the applicant pointed to the site plan and said stoppers are proposed so vehicles will not encroach on the yard. Neighbor Glenn Davis said he wants a “safe area for my mom” and asked how the property will be managed; the applicant said the conversion to two separate dwelling units would reduce the economic pressure to rent rooms individually, and that rental licenses will be obtained and followed.

Board members noted that neighborhood safety is outside the zoning board’s authority and suggested residents use block‑level contacts and city services for ongoing concerns. After recessing to deliberate, the board made a motion to approve the special exception under §13.25.01 and the variance related to heated habitable area; the motion carried unanimously. The board will issue a written decision within 45 days.