Allentown Zoning Decisions: October 2026

In October 2026, Allentown held 8 public meetings covering zoning matters. 9 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 4 approved (57% approval rate), 3 denied, 2 deferred. Activity was up 1352% compared to September (27 activity items across 5 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Variances denied at 528 North 6th Street

Denied.

Denied variances in the N2 district (0.11 acres) for Justin and Christina Cappuccino. The request covered retaining three single-occupancy rooming units on the third floor (two under 250 sq ft) without an on-site manager, plus parking relief for a new ~500 sq ft unit on the carriage house's first floor. The Board cited overuse of the property and lack of hardship. The Board indicated a revised proposal could be heard.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Frontage interpretation appeal at 1402 West Linden Street

Denied.

Christopher Dial LLC (owner Matthew Pezon; attorney Andrew Ruchance, Davison and McCarthy) appealed the zoning office's ruling that Linden Street, not 14th Street, is the front facade. The Board voted to affirm the zoning office, with one nay voiced (Samantha McLean), so the appeal failed.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Facade-width variance denied at 1402 West Linden Street

Denied.

Denied a variance for insufficient facade width (25 ft existing vs. 36 ft needed) that would have allowed converting a commercial space into two dwelling units, for five units total, in the GXN district. The Board found two units was not the minimum relief and suggested a one-unit application could be filed. Neighbor Victoria Sanchez objected on parking grounds.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Ground-floor setback variance at 829-845 West Hamilton Street (Penn State)

Approved.

Variance allowing college/university and business training use on the ground floor of a mixed-use building in the MXD storefront district without the required 20-foot setback behind the front facade. The space is about 9,000 sq ft on a 1.3-acre site, leased to Penn State Lehigh Valley for LaunchBox, an AI innovation lab, and the Veterans Business Outreach Center. The building sits about 80 ft back from Hamilton Street. Apartments occupy floors 2-6; floors 7-8 are vacant. Owners are DLP Allentown Ventures LLC and Sherall Magnolia LLC, represented by Kate Durst.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Sign variance for Casa Guadalupe Center at 232 North 2nd Street

Deferred.

Casa Guadalupe Center sought variance for a 19.18 sq ft 'CASA 2.0' channel-letter wall sign and six vinyl window signs (55.12 sq ft) on a renovated second building (technology hub and art center) on a consolidated lot; 20 sq ft existing, total 94.3 sq ft vs 20 sq ft per frontage allowed; window coverage limited to 25%. Board indicated comfort with ~40 sq ft of letters but wanted full window-sign measurements on both buildings. Continued at applicant's request.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Special exception at 926-928 West Walnut Street for a 10th unit

Approved.

Special exception to expand a nonconforming use in the GX-N district by converting a vacant ~600 sq ft former massage parlor/tattoo space into a 10th residential unit. The building already has 9 units, and no exterior changes are proposed. Owners are 926 West Walnut Street LLC (Justin and Christina Cappuccino, Nick and Kim Denise), represented by Eric Schott.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Rooming-house use and room-size variances at 501-503 North 4th Street

Approved.

Use variance allowing a rooming house/SRO in the GX-N district, a variance from the six-unit cap, and room-size variances (4 rooms at 150 sq ft, 18 at ~210 sq ft) for 33 rooms. The project includes 6 ADA rooms on the lower level and two on-site caretakers. The site is the former social club at 4th and Liberty Streets. Applicant Drake Edward (Gary Elbert, Simple Living Alliance) is buying from owner Millville LLC, represented by Eric Schott.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Continuation of nonconforming auto repair use at 1525-1529 Hanover Avenue

Approved.

Appeal of Mahmoud Saleem (case number two) for recognition of a nonconforming minor auto repair use (tires, oil changes; one mechanic, one bay, by appointment) in a garage at 1525-1529 Hanover Avenue, zoned GXC where the use is no longer permitted; alternative use variance requested. Similar request denied in 2025 under prior code for parking and 43-ft vs 50-ft separation deficiency. Board approved as a continuation of a nonconforming use. Building also contains a beauty salon and two apartments. Five parking spaces (two on site, three leased from neighboring restaurant/diner). Hours 9-6 summer, 9-5 winter, six days, closed Sundays.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 9 recorded zoning decisions. See all Allentown meetings →

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 172 instances
• residential: 50 instances
• variance: 38 instances
• commercial: 35 instances
• setback: 12 instances

What to Watch

• Zoning mentions were up 2357% from September.
• Residential is new this month with 50 mentions, not present in September.
• Variance is new this month with 38 mentions, not present in September.
• Commercial is new this month with 35 mentions, not present in September.
• Setback is new this month with 12 mentions, not present in September.

Stay on Top of Allentown Meetings

This roundup was the month in review. For what is moving in Allentown right now, the county hub follows each new meeting and case as it is posted. Full conditions and vote records for covered decisions live with Pro at $39/mo, with 3 Project Reports a month included.

See what is moving in Allentown now →.