Allentown Zoning Decisions: March 2026

In March 2026, Allentown held 9 public meetings covering zoning matters. 13 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 10 approved (91% approval rate), 1 denied, 2 deferred. Activity was up 87% compared to February (156 activity items across 7 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Variance for Subdivision at 928 West Chew Street

Denied.

928 West Chew Street Associates LLC sought variances to subdivide a 4,600 sq ft lot into two lots (2,000 sq ft and 2,600 sq ft) and construct a new single-family detached dwelling on Lot 2. Requested variances included: lot width of 20 feet instead of required 40 feet, zero foot side yard setback on western lot line instead of required 4 feet, and 54 foot front yard setback instead of required zero feet under TNDO. The board denied the application finding no legal hardship exists since the property has been reasonably used as a single-family dwelling for over 100 years, and the proposal would expand nonconformities.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

51 North Front Street - Mixed Use Building

Deferred.

Tabled 7-story mixed-use building proposal with 210 dwelling units (47 studios, 110 one-bedrooms, 48 two-bedrooms, 5 three-bedrooms), 4,500 sq ft retail, and 286 parking spaces. Commission expressed concerns about design not reflecting waterfront character and appearing too modern/suburban.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

2-16 Allen Street/1-17 Liberty Street - Mixed Use Building

Deferred.

Tabled 7-story mixed-use building with 200 dwelling units (45 studios, 112 one-bedrooms, 43 two-bedrooms), 18,000 sq ft retail, and 240 parking spaces. Commission requested exploration of widening Brick Street and potential preservation of existing Sussman Building elements.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Group Childcare Home at 339 West Lexington Street

Approved.

Special exception approved for Adeluz Family Daycare operated by tenant at property owned by Andres Perez Reyes to convert from family childcare (6 children max) to group childcare home (7-12 children). Hours remain 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Friday. Two childcare workers currently, may increase if needed. First floor used for daycare, operator resides on premises. Vote was unanimous.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Group Childcare Home at 410 Southwest Street

Approved.

Special exception approved for Mercedes Mercedes to establish a group childcare home at newly purchased property (acquired January/February 2026). Applicant currently operates family daycare at 305 South 18th Street and will relocate both residence and daycare operation to 410 Southwest Street. Hours will be 24 hours, 7 days per week. Three staff total including operator. Property is currently a vacant single-family dwelling.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Group Childcare Home at 1705 Highland Street

Approved.

Special exception approved for Vanessa Maricchio Variera (operator Naomi Reyes translating) to establish group childcare home at property purchased January 16, 2026. Applicant has operated family daycare at separate Tillman Street location for 14 years. Proposed hours: 24 hours Monday through Saturday. Three staff total, two on-site at any time. Seven to 12 children. Six neighbors objected citing traffic safety, parking concerns, and neighborhood character. Located at northwest corner of 17th and Highland Streets.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

301 North Front Street Revision - Mixed Use Building

Approved.

Granted conditional preliminary final approval for revisions to previously approved 16-story mixed-use building. Unit count increased from 267 to 360 apartments (71 studios, 186 one-bedrooms, 103 two-bedrooms, 4 three-bedrooms). Commercial space reduced to approximately 21,500 sq ft. 478 parking spaces provided.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

115 Riverside Drive - Mixed Use Building

Approved.

Granted conditional preliminary final approval for 7-story mixed-use building with 242 dwelling units (41 studios, 141 one-bedrooms, 62 two-bedrooms), 13,195 sq ft retail, and 312 interior parking spaces. Developer: Urban Residential Properties/John Palombo.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 13 recorded zoning decisions. See all Allentown meetings →

Zoning Changes

• B-5 Urban Commercial with TNDO overlay → B-5 Urban Commercial with TNDO overlay (no change) at 51 North Front Street (Urban Residential Properties/John Palombo)
• B-5 Urban Commercial with TNDO overlay → B-5 Urban Commercial with TNDO overlay (no change) at 115 Riverside Drive (Urban Residential Properties/John Palombo)
• B-5 Urban Commercial with TNDO overlay → B-5 Urban Commercial with TNDO overlay (no change) at 2-16 Allen Street/1-17 Liberty Street (Urban Residential Properties/John Palombo)

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 85 instances
• residential: 53 instances
• setback: 37 instances
• variance: 16 instances
• commercial: 15 instances

What to Watch

• Residential mentions were up 253% from February.
• Setback is new this month with 37 mentions, not present in February.
• Variance saw 220% more mentions month-over-month.
• Commercial increased 150% compared to February.

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