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Owner of 411 Main Street seeks approval to convert single‑family home into two units; board presses for engineered plans
Summary
Owner Kevin Gough asked the Hellertown Zoning Hearing Board for a special‑exception approval to convert 411 Main Street to a two‑family dwelling. Board members said they lack the engineered parking, grading and stormwater information to find the required standards satisfied and urged a continuance.
Kevin Gough, who identified himself as the owner of 411 Main Street, told the Hellertown Zoning Hearing Board he is seeking a special‑exception use to convert the property from a single‑family dwelling to a two‑unit residence and described changes to his parking layout and site plan.
"I will be presenting the new drawing reflecting stackable parking with all of the other information that that they had requested, which was also the backing in the Law Box Street," Gough said, explaining the architect is preparing updated plans for the planning commission and for the board. He said the revised plans will also show dumpster/tote arrangements and floor plans the planning commission asked for.
Solicitor Bob Pichke reminded the board of the statutory standards the zoning board must apply under Section 450‑24 and said the hearing must establish adequate access, parking, protective plantings, lighting and stormwater control before the board can grant a special exception. "The only thing you're going to be ruling on tonight is whether what he is proposing qualifies, under the specific standards of 450‑24 as a special exception use," Pichke said.
Board members repeatedly pressed Gough for certified engineering or topographical information demonstrating how stormwater runoff would be contained. One member said the board needs either an engineer or a designer to attest that grading will prevent runoff onto adjoining properties; Gough said his architect is preparing the necessary drawings and that the new design reduces impervious surface compared with earlier plans.
The board discussed related variances the project will likely require — notably a parking variance that would permit vehicles to back out onto Lubbock Street — and clarified that the planning commission's recommendation is advisory. Members said the applicant should present a complete set of revised drawings (including traffic patterns, topography, elevations and waste‑storage plans) so the board can evaluate compliance with code. The applicant acknowledged the additional cost and said he is prepared to pay for a separate variance application and plan review fees.
The hearing ended with the applicant requesting a continuance to provide the revised drawings and any variance requests; the board later approved a continuance to allow time for the applicant to submit the full materials and any required waivers.
