Planning staff told the West Chester Borough Planning Commission on Nov. 17 that an applicant has filed for 304 West Lafayette to add a parking area in the rear alley and install an electric vehicle charger.

Staff member Aaron Fluke said the application asks for relief from a zoning restriction that generally prevents parking within 5 feet of a property border. Fluke said borough solicitors have requested the planning department take applications first to the Smart Growth committee, and then to the zoning hearing board in the following month to ensure legal representation is available and provide Smart Growth's input before a formal hearing.

Why it matters: The requested relief affects alley access and property-line setbacks. Staff said no immediate action is required from the commission; Smart Growth review and scheduling for the zoning hearing board will follow the borough's review procedures.

Details and next steps
Fluke said the department will hold the item until it can be reviewed at an upcoming Smart Growth meeting; if the application arrives before the Smart Growth meeting, staff will present it at the first Smart Growth meeting and then schedule the zoning hearing board for the following month to give the solicitor time to prepare. No vote or formal recommendation was taken by the commission on Nov. 17.

The commission asked whether the alley parking would be visible from the street and whether screening would be required; staff noted applicants had proposed moving an existing retaining wall and screening refuse containers behind a screen. Staff will continue coordinating the schedule and report back to the commission.