Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
27 issues in zoning
Union Boulevard Used Car Dealership Use Variance
An office building at 1130 Union Blvd could become a personal vehicle sales and rental operation if the board grants relief. The use is prohibited in the GX-C corridor, so the case turns on whether the equitable estoppel argument holds.
Rear garage and carport setback variances
Two separate appeals ask the board to let backyard structures sit much closer to side property lines than the 5-foot rule allows — a garage at 3.83 feet and a carport at 0.83 feet.
Historic District Property Alterations
A property owner is asking the HARB to legalize window replacements and front porch work that were done without prior historic approval. The case shows how the board handles retroactive reviews in the historic district.
Child care center variance denied on South Dauphin Street
A proposal for a 54-child day care serving families from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. was denied because the zoning ordinance bars child care centers attached to buildings with apartments. Smaller family or group child care options remain available by right.
Banquet Facility Proposal at 170 Allen St
Neighbors near the former social hall at 170 W. Allen say large gatherings brought broken bottles, trash, and noise, and worry 15 parking spots can't serve 116-person events. The board ruled the use a permitted banquet hall, with parking alternatives floated but no conditions attached.
Child care center blocked by attachment restriction
A 54-child day care was proposed across from an elementary school, but the zoning ordinance flatly bars child care centers attached to buildings with dwelling units. The board denied the variance, saying smaller family or group child care homes remain allowed.
Vehicle Repair Use Variance at 1525 Hanover Ave
A property owner sought permission to operate a minor car repair shop in a residential-office corridor zone. The board weighed the neighborhood impact of vehicle overflow against the applicant's promise of appointment-only service, adding strict monitoring rules.
Signage Variance Request at 232 N 2nd St
Casa Guadalupe Center is seeking approval to install significantly more signage than normally allowed in their neighborhood center district.
Disruptive Conduct Reports (DCRs) for Rental and Owner-Occupied Units
The city uses DCRs to track tenant disturbances and prompt landlord action, while noting a growing challenge with disruptive behavior in owner-occupied homes.
Beauty Salon Zoning Variance at 440 N 10th St
A new beauty salon requested a parking variance because the historic commercial building lacks standard off-street parking. The board approved the shop after hearing that the operator reduced the number of chairs and that two garage spaces are available in the rear.
Garage Conversion to Commercial Business at 436 N. 2nd St.
City zoning officials halted a hair salon application at 436 N. 2nd St. after discovering unverified auto repair, vehicle storage, and graphic design activities occurring on site without proper permits.
Subdivision and Lot Variances at 406 N Fair St
A homeowner asked the board to let him keep a gazebo and shed that sit too close to property lines and a public alley. The board denied the request because he couldn't prove a legal hardship and wasn't able to confirm exact property boundaries.
Parking and Buffering Variances at 2613 South St
Horizon Church is seeking permission for parking placement, lighting, and minimal landscaping buffers at their site.
Supermarket Loading Dock Expansion & Traffic Safety
A local supermarket needed a rear setback variance to build a modern loading dock so delivery trucks wouldn't block busy 7th Street. Neighbors raised concerns about large trucks hitting parked cars on narrow Silk Street, leading the board to require trucks to use 7th Street instead.
Residential Density and Conversion at 827 N. 5th St.
The board was scheduled to review a proposal to turn a single-family home into three apartments, which raises questions about neighborhood density and parking availability in the N2 district.
Commercial-to-Residential Conversion at 1453 Linden St.
A long-vacant commercial space at 15th and Linden streets will be converted into a new apartment unit, bringing new life to a building that has struggled to attract commercial tenants for years.
Historic District Window and Door Compliance
A property owner appeared before the board to discuss an unpermitted front door replacement intended to address tenant security concerns. The board explained the historic guidelines and instructed her on the formal review process for violations.
Zoning Code Implementation and Future Amendments
Staff is working through public and staff confusion regarding applications under old versus new zoning codes, with a first round of administrative amendments anticipated in April.
Residential Parking Permit Program and Ordinance Updates
Council members and residents discussed the limitations of the current residential parking permit system, exploring how density-based rules and outdated neighborhood designations impact downtown parking availability.
Allentown Parking Authority Board Residency and Representation
City leaders want to drop the rule that parking authority board members must also serve on the Allentown Economic Development Corporation, opening seats up to regular residents. They also discussed ways to make sure the board doesn't end up stacked with too many elected officials.
Subdivision and Variances for New Single-Family Home at 928 West Chew Street
A developer sought to split a 4,600-square-foot lot in half to build a second affordable housing unit facing Oak Street while keeping rear parking. The zoning board ultimately denied the project, deciding that the property already had a reasonable use and that the requested variances would improperly expand non-conforming lot dimensions.
Arts Commission Scope and Advisory Role
Commissioners discussed whether their board should have a formal advisory voice in public art for development projects, similar to other city commissions. Members also noted that past annual funding has been significantly reduced, shifting focus primarily toward public art restoration.
Commercial Truck Cab Parking in Residential Area
The zoning board addressed the ongoing issue of commercial truck parking on residential properties, reinforcing that city ordinances prohibit heavy commercial vehicles in residential zones without a proven land hardship.
Graphic Design Office in Residential District
An applicant sought permission to use a former sewing factory as a graphic design office with no walk-in clients.
Residential Conversion and Parking Requirements at 21 N. 11th St.
Property owners sought to legalize a three-family dwelling layout inside an existing structure. The board approved the conversion with a condition requiring four off-site leased parking spaces to address neighborhood parking strains.
Unpermitted Building Encroachment at 638 N. 2nd St.
Homeowners built a second-floor addition back in 2014 without permits, reducing the side yard setback by 17 inches. Following neighbor complaints regarding safety and maintenance access, the board denied the variance.
Residential Conversion on Ridge Avenue
A property owner is converting a vacant dental office into two new apartments to help address housing needs, though the landlocked lot requires careful attention to fire safety and egress.