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Planning Commission makes no recommendation on proposed music school at 201 S. Charles St.
Summary
Applicant Sandra Pietrowicz proposed a commercial music school in a unit that already has a principal use; the Commission declined to recommend to the Zoning Hearing Board because the proposal conflicts with zoning definitions and lacked required specifics on parking and space allocation.
Sandra Pietrowicz asked the Commission to recommend her appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board to allow a commercial music school at 201 S. Charles St. (Unit 7), a property in the Residential Town Zone.
Sandra said she operated a successful music school in Harford County for 21 years and outlined planned uses including lesson rooms, early childhood music activities and musical-theater camps. She said early childhood activities would involve “6-8 children at one time” and that she had three private lessons planned and additional teachers to staff classes.
Borough staff and counsel told the Commission that the Zoning Ordinance defines a ‘‘Commercial School’’ as a separate principal use (special instruction in business, art, music, trade) distinct from recreation and that a commercial school is permitted by Special Exception only in Borough Center or Commercial Zones. The solicitor noted that two principal uses are not allowed in one unit and that a variance requires a demonstrated hardship. The solicitor advised that the Zoning Hearing Board will expect clarity on designated parking for Unit 7 and on space dimensions; the Commission concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend approval and voted to make no recommendation to the Zoning Hearing Board.
The Commission advised the applicant that if she proceeds to the Zoning Hearing Board, she should obtain a letter from the property owner authorizing her application and provide specific parking and space measurements. The Commission’s motion to make no recommendation carried.
Next steps: Applicant may file with the Zoning Hearing Board; the Borough staff will provide clarification on ordinance sections and required submission items.
