Zoning board approves variances for housing conversions, childcare capacity and a shared commissary kitchen

The City of York Zoning Hearing Board voted in June 2026 to grant a string of variances and special exceptions affecting several neighborhood properties after hearing presentations from applicants and asking technical questions about parking, utilities and permitting.

In case 21‑2026‑B, Bernard and Yolana Maguire sought to convert 903 West Locust Street from a single‑family house to a multiunit dwelling. Bernard Maguire told the board the family has owned the property nine years and plans to separate electricity, plumbing and gas for each unit; he said the property has rear off‑street parking and ample street parking. "We would just like to provide more housing for families basically," Bernard Maguire said. After board questions about floor plans, basement use and required off‑street spaces, the board approved a package of relief: a variance to the multifamily conversion definition, a variance for off‑street parking, a waiver of the two‑year vacancy requirement and the special exception to allow multifamily use. Motions were seconded and carried by recorded board votes.

Jennifer Medina presented case 22‑2026‑Z seeking permission to increase capacity at a family child care home at 637 Pennsylvania Avenue from six to 12 children. Medina said she currently holds a six‑child license and is working with Community Connection for Children; she told the board she has a daily schedule with outdoor activities for the children. The board approved the variance to allow 12 children; board members noted staff and room‑size reviews will be part of subsequent state and permitting processes.

In case 23‑2026‑Z, Brian Bush described plans to reopen a former catering/catering‑distribution site at 350 Rockdale Avenue as a shared commissary kitchen and small retail space to support food trucks and small producers. "We are looking to reestablish this building as a catering commissary kitchen," Bush said, adding local markets had expressed interest and neighbors were supportive. The board approved a variance to allow a business/service establishment at that address.

A large former house of worship at 116 West Street was presented by a representative identifying as Anthony CE, who said the building (roughly 28,000 square feet) could host community services and lease space to a childcare operator (I Care University). The board approved a variance to operate a childcare facility at the property and a variance to the off‑street parking requirement, while noting that state licensing will determine the site’s final permitted capacity.

Finally, applicants identified as WA and Ingred Garcia (Central Housing LLC) asked to add a fourth unit to a property at 318 East Popler Street; Wes Garcia told the board a sprinkler system will be required for the additional unit and is being estimated. The board voted to approve the variance to add a fourth unit.

Votes at a glance:
• ZA‑25‑31 (101 East Springbury Ave): Motion to deny the appeal challenging Zoning Officer McMillan’s determination — motion carried (board upheld zoning officer).
• 21‑2026‑B (903 West Locust St): Variance to allow multifamily conversion, parking variance, waiver of two‑year vacancy and special exception granted.
• 22‑2026‑Z (637 Pennsylvania Ave): Variance granted to increase childcare capacity from 6 to 12 children.
• 23‑2026‑Z (350 Rockdale Ave): Variance granted to operate a business/service (commissary kitchen/micro‑retail).
• 116 West Street: Variance granted to operate child care and a parking variance; state licensing will set final capacity.
• 25‑2026‑Z‑S‑V (318 East Popler St): Variance granted to add a fourth dwelling unit.

Board members asked applicants to secure required construction permits, obtain state childcare approvals where applicable, and resolve parking arrangements where needed. Several applicants noted that required sprinkler installation and utility separations will drive renovation schedules and costs; those details will be handled by permitting and building officials after the board’s approvals.