Chambersburg Zoning Board to Review Special Exception Requests, Nonconforming Use Appeals

The Borough of Chambersburg Zoning Hearing Board has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to consider several special exception permit requests and appeals related to nonconforming uses. The hearing will take place in the Council Chambers on the first floor of the Utility Departments Addition to Borough Hall, located at 100 South Second Street in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about proposed changes to land use within the borough and voice any concerns.

Among the items on the agenda is Appeal Number 1686, filed by Ruysdael Thomas. Mr. Thomas is seeking a special exception permit to alter a nonconforming use at 171 East Garfield Street. Currently operating as a hair salon, the request is to rezone the property for use as a retail store. The area where this property is located is zoned for Moderate Density Residential use, and this appeal falls under Section 300-93 of the Zoning Code.

Another request, Appeal Number 1687, has been submitted by Sabrina Edmonds. Ms. Edmonds is requesting a special exception permit to operate a child day care home at 759 East Washington Street. This property is also situated in an area zoned for Moderate Density Residential use, and the appeal is being made under Sections 300-24D and 300-138 of the Zoning Code.

Additionally, the board will review Appeal Number 1688, filed by Dwayne Harbaugh. Mr. Harbaugh is seeking a special exception permit to expand a nonconforming structure located at 651 Reservoir Street. The proposed expansion involves increasing the size of a detached accessory garage. This property is also within a Moderate Density Residential zone, and the appeal is being processed under Section 300-92 of the Zoning Code.

In addition to these specific appeals, the Zoning Hearing Board will also conduct an election for its officers during the meeting. Following the public hearing and officer election, the board is slated to convene in an Executive Session. This closed-door session is intended to discuss pending litigation related to Appeal No. 1677, which involves Helen Lima Corado at 531 North Franklin Street.

Individuals who have questions about the upcoming hearing or require accommodations to access or participate in the public meeting, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, are encouraged to contact the Deputy Borough Manager/Land Use and Community Development Director, Phil Wolgemuth, prior to the meeting date. Mr. Wolgemuth can be reached at the Borough of Chambersburg, 100 S. Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201, by phone at 717-251-2436, or via email at pwolgemuth@chambersburgpa.gov.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Borough of Chambersburg.

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