Archived RCO Variance Projects

2024

GREYLOCK - 209 W. Chestnut Hill Avenue
UPDATE as of 8/12/2024: The hearing was not completed on March 27. A resumption hearing was held on JUNE 25, 2024 9:30 am.
A second resumption hearing with the ZBA is scheduled for Wednesday, AUGUST. 28, 3:30 pm.

UPDATE as of 8/28/24: The ZBA hearing process was still not completed. Another resumption hearing was called for by the ZBA.

UPDATE as of 10/22/24: The final resumption hearing was held on Ocotber 22. The ZBA did not issue a decision. It asked the attorneys for the applicant and the neighbors to submit their closing statements in writing, due by Nov. 1. They will then take the matter into executive session and announce their decision. 

UPDATE as of 11/20/24: The ZBA granted the variances with provisos to adhere to updated plans, including the cancellation of the refusals for rear yard setback and tree requirements due resolutoin without the need for variances.

Updated presentation for March 7, 2024
Updated Presentation for Feb. 19, 2024
Presentation - All in one PDF
DRC Application
Refusal
Updated Refusal

This project will be reviewed at the following meetings:

Oct. 17 DRC 7:00 pm meeting
Nov. 2 HDAC  (CH Conservancy) 6:30pm meeting 
Nov. 2 LUPZC 8:00 pm
meeting
February 19 7:00 pm combined DRC/LUPZ meeting

March 7, 2024 at about 8:30 pm. This is a combined meeting of the DRC and LUPZ committees and will be held via Zoom.
March 14, 2024 - CHCA Board meeting, 7:00 pm via zoom



ZBA Hearing Dec. 13, 2023, 2:00 PM 
The applicant was granted a continuance by the ZBA. 
The ZBA  hearing date will be March 27, 2024, 2:00 pm.
UPDATE as of 8/12/2024: The hearing was not completed on March 27. A resumption hearing was held on JUNE 25, 2024 9:30 am.
A second resumption hearing with the ZBA is scheduled for Wednesday, AUGUST. 28, 3:30 pm.
UPDATE as of 9/16/2024: A third resumption hearing with the ZBA has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 9:30 am.
To attend ZBA hearings: ZBA 




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7918 Ardleigh Street  - Application for Visitor Accommodations
UPDATE as of 8/12/2024: The ZBA appeal for variance for use for Visitor Accommodation was withdrawn by the applicant. On June 7, 2024, a permit granting limited lodging was granted instead. This allows for short-term rentals of under 30 days but requires an owner or manager to live on site.


Refusal
DRC Application
Presentation


The CHCA opposed granting this variance for Visitor Accommodation (Short Term Rental under 31 days).
The ZBA hearing was held on March 6, 2024, 2:00pm. The ZBA denied the variance. 
The applicant has until April 6 to appeal that decision. As of April 13, the ZBA calendar had no record of an appeal being filed. The calendar may not have been updated yet.

7929 ROANOKE ST -
UPDATE: The ZBA appeal for a variance to permit Visitor Accommodation use has been withdrawn
by the applicant. This means this property will not be used for short-term rentals of under 30 days.


Presentation
Refusal

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 403 W. SPRINGFIELD AVE - 

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy - Performing Arts Center (Zoned RSD-1)
For the removal of an existing one-story structure and erection of a one-story addition in existing educational facility, with 4 accessory off-street surface parking spaces, including 2 ADA spaces. Refusal is for use as Assembly and Entertainment in RSD-1 zoning district.


Updated Presentation
Refusal
Revised Refusal

DRC Application
Plans and Photos
Appeal to ZBA



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7918 Ardleigh Street  - Application for Visitor Accommodations
UPDATE as of 8/12/2024: The ZBA appeal for variance for use for Visitor Accommodation was withdrawn by the applicant. On June 7, 2024, a permit granting limited lodging was granted instead. This allows for short-term rentals of under 30 days but requires an owner or manager to live on site.


Refusal
DRC Application
Presentation


The CHCA opposed granting this variance for Visitor Accommodation (Short Term Rental under 31 days).
The ZBA hearing was held on March 6, 2024, 2:00pm. The ZBA denied the variance. 
The applicant had until April 6 to appeal that decision. As of April 13, the ZBA calendar had no record of an appeal being filed.  
UPDATE: ON June 7, 2024, a Zoning Permit for Limited Lodging use was granted. This permit requires an owner or assigned manager to maintain residence at the property.

https://li.phila.gov/Property-History/search/Permit-Detail?address=7918-20%20ARDLEIGH%20ST&Id=ZP-2024-005880

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7929 ROANOKE ST -
UPDATE: The ZBA appeal for a variance to permit Visitor Accommodation use has been withdrawn
by the applicant. This means this property will not be used for short-term rentals of under 30 days.

Presentation
Refusal

UPDATE: After the RCO meeting process was completed, the applicant opted to withdraw its appeal to the ZBA for use for Visitor Accommodation. 
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MORRIS ARBORETUM - 9600 Stenton Avenue


Presentation
Refusal
Plans
DRC Application
Certificate of Mailing
Photos


This project was reviewed at the February 19, 2024  DRC/LUPZ meeting
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420 W. Mermaid Lane and 7504 St. Martins Lane - Joint review

DRC Application
Refusal- 420 W Mermaid 
Refusal- 7504 St. Martins 
Appeal - 420 W Mermaid
Appeal - 7504 St. Martins
Zoning Site Plan - 420 W Mermaid
Zoning Site Plan - 7504 St Martins
Combined Property Plan
Schematic Landscape Plan
Conceptual Master Plan Renderings
Photos


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208-10 REX AVE

Updated Site Plan as of 4/22/24
Updated presentation from 3/16/24 DRC meeting
Presentation
DRC Application
Refusal


NOTE: This property is included in the Philadelphia Historical Commission Registry of Historic Places
UPDATE: Permit granted by the ZBA on July 19, 2024.

2023
Valley Green Run Restoration and Pedestrian Bridge 


Applicant: FOW
To be reviewed at the October 17 DRC meeting and the October 26 CHCA board meeting.
See  2023 Upcoming Meetings tab for links.
All meetings via zoom unless otherwise announced.


Updated Presentation

INITIAL SUBMISSIONS:

Valley Green Run Restoration Presentation
DRC Application
Supplemental Addendum
Refusal
City of Philadelphia Project Information Sheet
Application for Appeal
Neighbor Notice Address List

ZBA Hearing Nov. 14, 2023, 9:30 AM



400 E. Evergreen -  Variance to erect a free-standing 244 SF greenhouse accessory to existing single-family residence, where 130 SF accessory building  is limit under code 

ALL DOCUMENTS COMBINED INTO ONE PDF



8129 Germantown - Variance for visitor accommodations at 2nd floor in same building with existing retail on 1st floor of existing structure in CMX-1 zoning

REFUSAL
PRESENTATION
NEIGHBOR NOTICE LETTER
PROOF OF MAILING
PHOTO 1
PHOTO 2
PHOTO 3  4   5   6   7   6

 

184 E. Willow Grove - Variance to legalize long-standing use of rear building for multi-family in RSA3 zoning

ALL DOCUMENTS COMBINED INTO ONE PDF



5. E. Chestnut Hill Avenue - Variance for detached single family dwelling with 3 interior and 3 exterior parking spaces on RSD-3 lot with existing house; Sideyard setback to be 5'4", where 7' is required

REFUSAL
DRC APPLICATION
PLANS
APPEAL
NEIGHBOR NOTICE LETTER
UPDATED PRESENTATION

2ND UPDATED PRESENTATION

113 W. Chestnut Hill Avenue - Variance for private residence 3-car garage on RSD-1/RSD-3 lot; Refusal states height exceeds code by 5+ feet

REFUSAL
SITE PLAN

ALL OTHER FILES
UPDATED PLAN



2022

301 REX AVENUE - Variance for the erection of an addition to the existing detached accessory structure for use as single-family household living.


DRC Application
Zoning Appeal
REFUSAL
PLANS


Neighbor Letter Notice
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/unnamed.jpg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/unnamed-3.jpg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/unnamed-2.jpg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/unnamed-1.jpg

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/IMG_0659.jpeg

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/IMG_0671.jpeg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/IMG_0665_2.jpeg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/IMG_0697.jpeg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/IMG_0698.jpe


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Introduction: Overview of Multi-site Zoning Variance

18 HILLTOP RD  -  Variance request for Two dwelling units, expressly prohibited in the RSA-3 residential zoning district. Zoning - CMX-1 BW RSA-3

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal

REFUSAL
Visual presentation



101 BETHLEHEM PIKE - Variance request for Two-family household living, prohibited in this distrcit. Zoning CMX-1 abutting RSA-3

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal  

REFUSAL
Visual presentation

105 BETHLEHEM PIKE - Variance request for Multi-Family household Living, prohibited in this zoning district. Zoning CMX-1 abutting RSA-3

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal
REFUSAL
Visual presentation



7928 GERMANTOWN AVE - Variance request for Multi-Family household Living, prohibited in this zoning district. Zoning CMX-1 abutting RSA-3

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal

REFUSAL
Visual presentation

8042-44 GERMANTOWN AVE - Variance request for
 Six dwelling units, prohibited in the RSA-3 residential zoning district; Zoning RSA-3

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal
REFUSAL
Visual Presentation

8137 GERMANTOWN AVE - Variance request for
 Three dwelling units, prohibited in the RSA-3 residential zoning district; Zoning CMX-1 BW RSA-3

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal

REFUSAL
Visual presentation


8532 GERMANTOWN AVE - Variance request for Multi-Family household Living. prohibited in this zoning district. Zoning CMX-1

DRC Application
Zoning Appeal

REFUSAL
Visual presentation

8622 GERMANTOWN AVE - Variance request for proposed two-family household living in commercial district; Zoning CMX-1


DRC Application
Zoning Appeal
REFUSAL
Legalization of existing use; no visuals

8624-26 GERMANTOWN AVE - Variance request for proposed sit-down restaurant in CMX1 zoning district; Zoning CMX-1


DRC Application  
Zoning Appeal
REFUSAL

Legalization of existing use; no visuals



89 BETHLEHEM PIKE
Variance for erection of walk-in freezer for use of eating and drinking establishment

REFUSAL

Summary presentation for DRC

Site and Floor Plans
Site Photos
DRC Application
Appeal
Spec Sheet
Updated presentation
Revised Plans
Neighbor Letters
Cafe Menu
Owner support letter

8430 ARDEIGH ST - Variance request for the creation of one dwelling unit in an existing detached garage and the creation of two open-air accessory parking spaces.
REFUSAL


Open with Google Maps

REVISED Site Plan 12/01/2021
SITE PLAN with photos
ZONING - Neighborhood Context
APPEAL to ZBA
DRC Application
ZBA Hearing Date


2021

540 W. MORELAND AVE– Variance request for subdivision of one lot into two
     

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/540_W_MORELAND_AVE-Refusal.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/540_W_MORELAND_Application_for_APPEAL.pdf

540 W Moreland Ave Plan   (Note: this plan was rejected by L&I and will require a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to proceed)

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/540_W._Moreland-CHCA_Application.pdf

CHCA Letter to ZBA

On August 4, 2021, the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to grant this variance for subdivision, as submitted to L&I and presented to the CHCA.
ZBA hearing is September 15, 2:00 pm.

On October 6, 2021. neighbors of this property appealed the decision of the ZBA to the Court of Common Pleas. Watch this space for updates on the hearing date. It will likely not be until sometime in 2022, perhaps the first half of the year.

On September 7, 2022, the Court of Common Pleas heard the Appeal. On January 11, 2023, the court granted the Appellants' claims, thereby reversing the determination of the ZBA.

In early February, 2023, the applicant filed an Appeal of the decision of the Court of Common Pleas. The matter will now be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

30 W. Highland Ave. - zoning variance for 8 townhouse development

Development Review Committee - April 13, 7:00pm

CHCA Letter to ZBA


Recording of meeting: CHCA Public Meetings - YouTube

Documents as of 4/20/2021

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/Traffic_Study_30_W._Highland_Ave._4-20-2021.pdf
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https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30_W_Highland_Sub-committee_report.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/DissentingReport30WestHighland04132021.docx
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https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30_W_HIghland-Application_for_Appeal_2.9.20219337173.1.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30_W._Highland_Ave-Notice_of_Refusal_ZP-2021-0000779330639.1.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/1-29-2021-30_W_Highland_Zoning_Site_Plan_Z-1-012221.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411_W_HIGHLAND_AVE_ELEVATION_as_of_4-11-2021.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411-SW_VIEW_as_of_4-11-2021.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411-WEST_ELEVATION_as_of_4-11-2021.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411-W_HIGHLAND_AVE_VIEW_4-11-2021.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411-W_HIGHLAND_AVE_STREET_ELEVATION_as_of_4-11-2021.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411-NW_VIEW_REV1-ACADIA_ENTRY_TREE_NOT_SHOWN_as_of_4-11-2021.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/30W_HIGHLAND_AVE_210411-WEST_ELEVATION_UNITS_1_2_as_of_4-11-2021.pdf




215 E. Evergreen Ave – Variance request for erection of semi-detached single home on existing lot


CHCA Letter to ZBA

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215_Evergreen-CHCA_application.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215_E_EVERGREEN_AVE-Refusal.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215_Evergreen_Avenue-A1_Plans.pdf
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215_Evergreen_Exterior_3.jpeghttps://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215_Evergreen_Exterior_2.jpeghttps://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215_Evergreen_Exterior.jpeg
https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/215EEVERGREEN_application_for_APPEAL.PDF

8612-14 Germantown Ave. - Variance request to allow a restaurant in that zoning district - variance granted by ZBA 

CHCA Letter to ZBA

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/8612-14_Germantown_RCO_Letter._to_ZBA.pdf  - letter to ZBA to support variance request with community agreement attached

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/8212_Germantown_Ave-non-opposition.pdf  Letter from Councilwoman Bass' office

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/8612_Germantown_Ave_Corrected_Refusal_11_10_2020.pdf 

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/8612_GTA_Appeal_Form_Completed_and_signed_for_Restaurant_Use.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/DRC_Application_Form_2019_FINAL_Corrected_on_11_13_2020.pdf    - DRC application 2020/2021

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/El_Limon_revised_signage-fine_lettering_11-23-2020_version_with_Historical_and_previous.pdf



7715 Crittenden (Chestnut Hill Village) - For erection of recreation-related building with 90% FAR (Floor Area Ratio)

CHCA Letter to ZBA

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/7715_CRITTENDEN_ST.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/7715_Crittenden_14-303_Notice.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/City_of_Philadelphia__Project_Information_Form.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/DRC_Application_Form_2019_FINAL.pdf

https://www.chestnuthill.org/docs/Refusal.pdf

14 LAUGHLIN LANE - Variance request for the erection of a one-story addition on the rear of existing two-story single family RSD-1; Required rear yard setback 30 feet; proposed 15 feet.

Open with Google Maps
REFUSAL
DRC Application
Zoning Appeal
Zoning Plans
Site Plan w Setback Envelope
Photos: 1    2    3    4       6

8410 PROSPECT AVE - Variance request for the relocation of lot lines to subdivide one lot into two, and for the creation of an easement for the erection of a detached private residence and garage at the rear of the lot; existing structure to remain. 

Above: Aerial view of parcel and neighboring parcels. Imagery © 2021 Google, Imagery 2021 Maxar Technologies, U.S. Geological Survey, USDA Farm Service Agency, Map data ©2021 

DRC Application, Refusal, and preliminary zoning plans
Z-101, Site Plan updated based upon onsite layout and discussions w/the arborist for the site
Z-103, Large Area Site Plan, which shows the proposal in a larger context with other subdivided properties along the railroad tracks

8330 MILLMAN - The Vanna Venturi House
Variance request for the erection of a detached structure for use as accessory dwelling unit on same lot as existing detached structure for use as single family household living. Proposed dwelling must be located within interior of principal building or of a detached building. (See code 14-604 (11) (c)). Also variance for proposed 8' side setback where 10' is required.


REFUSAL
DRC Application
Appeal of Refusal

Zoning Plans
Slide Presentation
Photos of site
Neighbor Letters of Support
DISCUSSION Document for May 5 LUPZC meeting
Final plans supported by DRC: Page 1 and Page 2
Landscape Plan



9410 MEADOWBROOK AVE - This variance appeal was withdrawn.


9101 Germantown Ave - Frances M. Maguire Hall/Woodmere - Variance request to have two principle buildings with a cultural purpose on an RSD-3 property. Also, a steep slope variance is being sought.

DRC Application
Community Presentation 
REFUSAL
Zoning Plans

Presentation for CHCA Board meeting

Community Agreement Review


8201 Shawnee Street Development Agreement between CHCA and Bowman Properties. The community agreement can be found HERE. The Shawnee St. development details are in the "Parcel B" sections of the agreement.

Plans for 8201 SHAWNEE
Front Perspective
Side Elevation
Rear Elevation
Survey
Zoning Plan, updated

MEETING RECORDING - (Last 15 minutes of the meeting)