DOWNINGTOWN, PA — A property owner is seeking permission to operate a memorial monument retail business in a residential zoning district along East Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown, a proposed commercial use that will require approval from the borough’s Zoning Hearing Board at a November 17 hearing.
GY Realty LLC has filed application ZHB26-004 for 700 E. Lancaster Ave., requesting a use variance under Section 287-32(A) of the borough’s zoning ordinance to permit the business in the R-4 residential district.
The application also seeks two dimensional variances related to a proposed freestanding sign, addressing restrictions on sign area and setbacks from the public right-of-way.
The first dimensional variance concerns the maximum permitted area of a freestanding or on-premises sign in a residential district under Section 287-117, Appendices II and III.
The second concerns minimum right-of-way setbacks for a permanent freestanding sign under Section 287-117, Appendix II.
Together, the requests would allow the property to accommodate a retail operation and associated signage that would otherwise be restricted by the residential zoning classification.
The use variance is the central issue before the board because it would authorize a commercial activity at a property governed by residential land-use regulations. The sign variances would separately address the physical requirements for advertising the business at that location.
The application also requests any additional zoning relief the board determines necessary.
The Zoning Hearing Board will consider the proposal Tuesday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Downingtown Borough Hall, 4 W. Lancaster Ave.
The hearing will provide an opportunity for the applicant to present its case and for interested members of the public to offer testimony before the board considers the requested relief.
Copies of application ZHB26-004 are available for public inspection at the borough Codes Department during regular business hours at no charge. Copies may also be purchased for a fee limited to the borough’s reproduction costs.
Residents requiring disability-related accommodations to attend or participate in the hearing may contact the Codes Department at 610-269-0344, extension 210.
The board’s decision will determine whether the proposed memorial monument business can operate at 700 E. Lancaster Ave. under exceptions to the borough’s existing residential zoning requirements.
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