Horen then sought variances from the Board to permit such uses. Since the property was situated in a district rezoned single family residential in August 1978, both uses were summarily refused. Horen, sought permission from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections to convert the Ridge Avenue property into a take-out steak and sandwich shop and a two-family dwelling. The real property involved in this matter, a lot improved with a three-story detached house at 7571 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia, was purchased by Ms. Accordingly, we reverse the order of the Commonwealth Court and reinstate the order of the Court of Common Pleas affirming the Board's action.

Having reviewed the record in accordance with the well-established principles of judicial review governing variances, we conclude that the Board's findings were supported by substantial evidence and should not have been disturbed. Horen's proposed commercial use of her property would not be contrary to the public interest. At issue is whether the evidence was sufficient to permit the Board to conclude (1) that denial of the variances would result in unnecessary hardship to Ms. In this appeal we have agreed to review the Commonwealth Court's reversal of an order of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas upholding the decision of appellant Zoning Board of Adjustment (Board) to grant variances to appellant Alma Horen. Kelsen, Philadelphia, for Zoning Bd.ĭaniel Sherman, Philadelphia, for appellee.īefore ROBERTS, C.J., and NIX, LARSEN, FLAHERTY, McDERMOTT, HUTCHINSON and ZAPPALA, JJ. ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT and Alma Horen, Appellants.

Haverford township zoning board