Allentown Zoning Decisions: April 2026

In April 2026, Allentown held 8 public meetings covering zoning matters. 7 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 5 approved (71% approval rate), 2 denied. Activity was down 29% compared to March (292 activity items across 9 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Demolition at 138-142 North 9th Street

Denied.

Special exception denied for demolition of three brownstone buildings at 138-142 North 9th Street for proposed 40-unit, seven-story mixed-use building. Applicant owns 138 and 142 North 9th Street, with 140 under agreement to close by June 30, 2026. Buildings date to 1880-1890. HARB unanimously opposed demolition citing architectural significance.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Setback Variance at 520 North 20th Street

Denied.

Robert Spierko sought variances for two accessory structures: a potting shed with 3.25 ft side setback (5 ft required) and a gazebo with zero rear setback that encroaches into the city's 20-foot right-of-way. The Board found no legal hardship was demonstrated and noted the gazebo encroachment into city right-of-way is beyond their jurisdiction to approve.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Demolition at 112-114 North 8th Street

Approved.

Special exception approved for demolition of two structures at 112-114 North 8th Street to construct a 23-unit, seven-story residential building. Applicant is 112-114 North 8th Street LLC (Alex Wright and Ruth Rachel Green). Buildings date to 1880 with commercial on first floor and residential above. Proposed rents approximately $1,250-$1,275 for studios.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Adaptive Reuse at 322-324 North 7th Street

Approved.

Recommended approval of special exception for converting a 2-story manufacturing warehouse into 6 dwelling units (two 1-bedroom, two 1-bedroom with office, two 2-bedroom apartments). Applicant Richard Bowers represented by attorney Ron Rabitz. Property in MXC storefront mixed corridor zone. Rents projected at $900-$1,050. Parking provided at adjacent lot 315-319 N Hall St with 19 spaces.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Land Development at 928 American Parkway Northeast

Approved.

Approved 73,500 square foot speculative manufacturing building by Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Building designed for potential subdivision into three 24,500 SF units with 36-foot clear ceiling heights. Site includes 82 parking spaces, 20 future spaces, 11 loading docks, 6 truck parking spaces. Located in IM Industrial Manufacturing District. Brownfield site requiring 4-foot fill to remove from 100-year floodplain via FEMA Conditional Letter of Map Revision.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Data Center Zoning Ordinance - Bill 2026

Approved.

Favorably recommended proposed zoning amendment to City Council establishing regulations for data center use. Data centers permitted by special exception only in IG and IM industrial districts. Large-scale facilities (over 50,000 SF) require 5-acre minimum in IG zone and 8-acre minimum in IM zone. Requires extensive technical studies including environmental impact, noise/vibration, water/sewer utilization, power supply, electronic waste plan, thermal impact mitigation, and emergency response plan.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

R54 - Cooperative Contracts Authorization

Approved.

Authorized cooperative contracts greater than $40,000 for various goods and services with multiple vendors including commercial, Ford Toyota, SIV ambulance, public safety LLC, and quality insurance tech. Vote was unanimous 7-0.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 53 instances
• residential: 34 instances
• commercial: 32 instances
• industrial: 17 instances
• setback: 13 instances

What to Watch

• Commercial mentions were up 113% from March.
• Industrial came up 70% more often than March.

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