Court Opinion

ID: 4028951
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-08-27 08:45:43.512555+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:50:19.948023
License: Public Domain

IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Heywood Becker, Trustee of            :
Hanoverian Trust and                  :
Hanoverian Trust,                     :
                  Appellants          :
                                      :
            v.                        :   No. 2092 C.D. 2015
                                      :   Submitted: May 27, 2016
Zoning Hearing Board of               :
Straban Township                      :

BEFORE:     HONORABLE MARY HANNAH LEAVITT, President Judge
            HONORABLE PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, Judge
            HONORABLE DAN PELLEGRINI, Senior Judge

OPINION NOT REPORTED

MEMORANDUM OPINION
BY PRESIDENT JUDGE LEAVITT                                FILED: August 26, 2016

            Heywood Becker (Becker), Trustee of Hanoverian Trust, and
Hanoverian Trust (Trust) appeal an order of the Adams County Court of Common
Pleas (trial court) that upheld a decision of the Zoning Hearing Board of Straban
Township (Zoning Board) to deny the Trust a zoning permit and its request for a
variance. The Trust contends that it was denied due process because the Zoning
Board based its decision on a provision of the Zoning Ordinance that had not been
cited by the zoning officer when he denied the application for a zoning permit, and
this change adversely impacted the Trust’s case. Concluding that the Zoning
Board’s correction did not deprive the Trust of a fair hearing, we affirm the trial
court.
                                  Background
            The Trust is the owner of real estate located at 2440 Old Harrisburg
Road, Straban Township, Adams County. The property lies in the Mixed Use –
Neighborhood (MU-2) zoning district as established by the Straban Township
Zoning Ordinance.1 Located on the property is a 12-unit motel that was built over
60 years ago, which predated Straban Township’s enactment of a zoning ordinance
and, thus, was a lawful, non-conforming use.                However, the motel use was
abandoned by a prior owner; this was established in separate litigation.
              Becker, on behalf of the Trust, applied to the Township’s zoning
officer for a permit to use the motel as a “multiplex” building, with each of the 12
rooms to be converted to apartments.               On April 30, 2014, Earl Baer, the
Township’s assistant zoning officer, advised Becker that the requested land use
permit could not be issued for the following reasons: (1) the units do not comply
with Section 140-15.C.(4)(c)2 of the Straban Township Zoning Ordinance because
the average unit size is 303 square feet, and (2) the parking for the units in the front
of the building does not comply with Section 140-15.C.(4)(d)3 of the Zoning
Ordinance. Reproduced Record at 2 (R.R. __). The Trust appealed the denial of
the requested permit to the Zoning Board and also requested a variance from each
of the ordinance provisions identified by the zoning officer in his denial.
              At the hearing before the Zoning Board, Becker testified that the
property was built in the late 1940s as a motel. Notes of Testimony, 7/16/2014, at

1
  THE STRABAN TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE, Ordinance No. 2006-6, as amended (Zoning
Ordinance).
2
  Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) establishes dimensional requirements for a multiplex unit. It provides:
        (c) Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, each unit shall be a minimum of
        750 square feet or larger.
ZONING ORDINANCE §140-15.C.(4)(c).
3
  Section 140-15.C.(4)(d) provides:
        (d) Off-street parking shall be located behind the plane of any primary façade.
ZONING ORDINANCE §140-15.C.(4)(d).

                                               2
23 (N.T. at __); R.R. 23. Since then, there have been no material changes to its
dimensions, height, or number of rooms. Id. After acquiring the property, Becker
converted the motel into apartments, which are rented to tenants under a one year
lease.
             Becker testified that without a variance, the property could not be
used for any purpose. Becker explained that the motel building is more than 200
feet in length, approximately one room deep, and one story in height. Id. Becker
testified that the 12 rooms vary in size; most are 350 square feet in area. Becker
testified that the unique physical characteristics of the building, which is unlike any
other building in the immediate neighborhood, together with the limited size of the
rooms, created a hardship. Further, this hardship was not created by the Trust or
its predecessor in title. Becker testified that there is no possibility that the property
could be used in strict conformity with the Zoning Ordinance, which requires a
minimum of 750 square feet for an apartment, and, thus, the Trust needs a
dimensional variance. Becker explained that the proposed multiplex would not
alter the essential character of the neighborhood because there would be no
changes to the building’s exterior, the land, the parking or storm water drainage.
Neither the neighborhood nor adjacent properties would be adversely affected.
             Finally, Becker testified that the Trust requested the minimum
variance needed to satisfy the Zoning Ordinance. Becker testified that to meet the
minimum square footage, the Trust would have to combine approximately every
two and one-half units into one unit. Removing and replacing the five internal
walls separating the units would cost approximately $90,000. Becker explained
that the additional rent that could be charged for a larger unit would be minimal,

                                           3
making the cost to modify the building to conform to the Zoning Ordinance
prohibitive.
               On cross-examination, Becker admitted that he did not know how
many people were presently living at the property; however, nine units were
occupied. He also acknowledged that he did not get an estimate of the cost to
install a door in between every two units, which would effectively double the size
of each unit without having to remove internal walls.
               The Trust offered the testimony of Mark Wizeman, an architect.
Wizeman testified that in order to preserve the existing footprint of the building,
but make the existing units conform to the minimum 750 square foot requirement,
the Trust would have to move walls that are load bearing or contain plumbing and
electrical wiring. These modifications would be prohibitively expensive. Further,
in order to arrive at the minimum square footage of 750 square feet, every two and
one half units would need to be combined resulting in long and narrow units,4
which would be atypical.        Wizeman testified that eight of the units measure
approximately 342 gross square feet. He believed that these units could serve as
“studio apartments” because they have a defined bedroom and living areas, a
bathroom and a kitchen area.
               On cross-examination, Wizeman stated that the square footage of the
usable space in the units was approximately 280 square feet.                     Wizeman
acknowledged that he was not able to identify which walls were supporting, or
merely partition walls, because he was not a structural engineer.

4
  Each unit measures approximately 16’6” in width and 20’9” in length, with 342 gross square
feet. Trust Exhibit 2, appended to R.R. A new unit created by combining 2½ units would
remain 16’6” wide, but the length would increase to 52’3”.

                                             4
               Following the hearing, the Zoning Board affirmed the denial of the
Trust’s request for a land use permit. In doing so, it did not rely upon Section 140-
15.C.(4)(c) of the Zoning Ordinance, which was cited by the zoning officer and
requires a minimum of 750 square feet for a single unit. Instead, the Zoning Board
held that the permit was properly denied because the proposed use did not comply
with Section 140-31.B of the Zoning Ordinance, which requires a minimum of 550
square feet of habitable floor area for a multiplex unit.5 Because each multiplex
unit measures 303 square feet, each was undersized.6
               The Zoning Board treated the Trust’s request for a variance to include
the habitable floor area requirement in Section 140-31.B. It denied the variance,
explaining as follows:

               (1) Applicant does not suffer a hardship with respect to these
               standards. Applicant’s perception of hardship arises from his
               plan to convert each small 1950[]s motel room into undersized
               dwellings for individuals and families. Applicant can readily
               merge two motel rooms into one apartment meeting standards
               for a three unit residential conversion or may be able to create
               efficiency apartments. Only one option or prototype was
               presented to the Board which proposes substantially undersized
               dwellings.
               (2) The former motel structure can be used in conformity with
               the minimum habitable floor area requirement by combining

5
  Habitable floor area is defined as “[t]he sum of the horizontal areas of all rooms used for
habitation, such as living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom, but not including hallways,
stairways, cellars, attics, service or utility rooms, bathrooms, closets, nor unheated areas such as
enclosed porches nor rooms without at least one window or skylight opening onto an outside
yard or court.” ZONING ORDINANCE §140-5.A.
6
  The Zoning Board noted that the square footage of units proposed in the submission to the
zoning officer was not the same as presented at the hearing, but the discrepancy did not affect the
Board’s decision. Zoning Board opinion at 7; R.R. 124.

                                                 5
              two motel[] rooms into one or by creating conversion
              apartments.
              (3) Applicant is creating the hardship that he perceives.
              Converting nine motel rooms into nine individual apartments
              has inherent difficulties and expense but that decision by
              Applicant is not required by the terms of the Ordinance.
                                                   ****
              (5) Granting a variance based on the evidence presented to the
              Board does not represent minimum relief required to afford
              relief or minimize the conflict with the regulation at issue. The
              evidence presented to the Board does not reflect an effort to
              meet minimum habitable floor space requirements as defined in
              the Ordinance.

Zoning Board’s opinion at 6; R.R. 123. The Zoning Board did, however, grant the
Trust a variance from the parking requirement of Section 140-15.C.(4)(d) of the
Zoning Ordinance, which had been cited by the zoning officer in his disapproval of
the permit.
              The Trust appealed to the trial court, which affirmed the Zoning
Board’s decision without taking additional evidence. The Trust now appeals to
this Court.
                                            Issues
              On appeal,7 the Trust raises two issues. First, it contends that the
Zoning Board erred by denying the zoning permit for reasons not cited by the

7
  Where the trial court does not conduct a hearing or receive any additional evidence, this
Court’s scope of review is to determine whether the zoning board “committed an error of law or
manifestly abused its discretion.” Diversified Health Associates, Inc. v. Zoning Hearing Board
of the Borough of Norristown, 781 A.2d 244, 246-47 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2001). An abuse of
discretion will be found only where the zoning board’s findings are not supported by substantial
evidence. Larsen v. Zoning Board of Adjustment of the City of Pittsburgh, 672 A.2d 286, 289
(Pa. 1996). “Substantial evidence” is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept
(Footnote continued on the next page . . .)
                                               6
zoning officer.8     Second, the Trust contends that the Zoning Board erred by
denying its request for a dimensional variance because it demonstrated
unnecessary hardship.
                                       Land Use Permit
              In its first issue, the Trust argues that the Zoning Board lacked
authority to disapprove its zoning permit for a reason not cited by the zoning
officer. The Trust’s appeal was developed to address Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) of
the Zoning Ordinance, as cited by the zoning officer. By denying the Trust’s
request on the basis of another provision of the Zoning Ordinance, i.e., Section
140-31.B, the Zoning Board denied the Trust due process. The Zoning Board does
not directly respond.9 It argues, simply, that the Trust had to prove that the zoning
officer erred, and it did not establish error. In fact, the Trustee, Becker, admitted
that the proposed units did not meet the 750 square foot requirement.
              At the hearing, Becker testified that the average size of a unit is
approximately 350 square feet; his architectural plans showed that a typical unit
had 342 gross square feet. The Zoning Board explained that

              we deny the appeal of the zoning officer’s decision. Although
              the zoning officer cited probably an incorrect section of the
              code with respect to the floor space, the zoning officer was
              correct that the sufficient square footage requirement was not
              met.

(continued . . .)
as adequate to support a conclusion. Valley View Civic Association v. Zoning Board of
Adjustment, 462 A.2d 637, 640 (Pa. 1983) (citations omitted).
8
  For purposes of this opinion, the Court has combined the Trust’s first and second arguments in
its brief into one argument.
9
  On appeal, Straban Township and its Board of Supervisors have intervened and joined in the
Zoning Board’s brief.

                                               7
N.T., 8/6/2014, at 3; R.R. 100. The question is whether the Board erred in basing
its ruling on a provision of the Zoning Ordinance different than the one cited by the
zoning officer.
             The Trust directs the Court to Orange Stones Company v. Borough of
Hamburg Zoning Hearing Board, 991 A.2d 996 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2010). In that case,
Orange Stones applied for a zoning permit to operate a drug and alcohol
rehabilitation center on its property. The zoning officer denied the permit, finding
that the proposed use of the property as a “hospital” was prohibited by the zoning
ordinance since it would be located in a floodplain. Orange Stones appealed to the
zoning hearing board, which affirmed the decision of the zoning officer. In doing
so, the zoning hearing board concluded that because the proposed use included a
“16 bed Halfway house,” it constituted a “jail or prison,” which, like a “hospital,”
could not be located within a floodplain. On appeal, Orange Stones argued, inter
alia, that the board erred as a matter of law in deciding, sua sponte, that its
proposed halfway house constituted a “jail or prison.”
             The zoning officer’s denial letter did not state that Orange Stone’s
application was denied because the proposed halfway house constituted a “jail or
prison.” In fact, the zoning officer affirmatively testified before the board that a
halfway house was permitted under the zoning ordinance.           The focus of the
testimony before the board was whether the “68 bed inpatient non hospital
rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol persons” constituted a “hospital.”
Orange Stones, 991 A.2d at 999. At no point during the hearing did any party
posit that the proposed halfway house actually constituted a “jail or prison.”
Whether the proposed halfway house constituted a “jail or prison” was never
mentioned until the board issued its written decision. In reversing the board’s

                                         8
decision, this Court explained that although a zoning hearing board may clarify the
issues in a case,

               Orange Stones had no indication that the [b]oard would deny its
               appeal and affirm the zoning officer’s decision for a reason that
               was not raised by any party before the [b]oard. Therefore, the
               board improperly raised the “jail or prison” issue sua sponte.

Orange Stones, 991 A.2d at 1000.10
               Orange Stones is distinguishable. Here, the issue of minimum
habitable floor space was raised and discussed during the hearing before the
Zoning Board made its decision.
               Becker testified that each unit measures about 350 square feet.
Wizeman, the Trust’s architect, testified that each unit had approximately 280 net
square feet and 342 gross square feet. In his closing statement, the Township’s
solicitor, Walton V. Davis, argued as follows:

               What we have here is actually what’s known in our zoning
               ordinance as a residential conversion. In Section 140-5 which
               is the definitions, residential conversions are defined as an
               existing building at the date of adoption of this chapter
               converted into residential dwelling units in accordance with
               this chapter.
               Well, this is an existing building … and they are now
               converting it from no use, since it was determined that it was an

10
  The trial court, relying on Orange Stones, held that the Zoning Board exceeded its authority in
holding that the zoning officer correctly denied the land use permit albeit for the wrong reason.
Nevertheless, the trial court determined that, at most, the Trust would be entitled to a remand to
the Zoning Board to determine whether the zoning officer erred in denying the use permit for the
reasons stated in his denial letter; there was no reason to do this as the Trust was not requesting
such relief. The Trust did not contest the fact that the proposed use does not meet the
requirements of Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) of the Zoning Ordinance. Trial Court opinion,
9/24/2015, at 7.

                                                9
              abandoned motel use, to apartment or multiplex use, that’s a
              residential conversion.
                                              ****
              In Section 140-31 (B) (2) multi-family residential conversions,
              secondary dwelling units, temporary housing for farm workers,
              and mobile and manufactured homes with exception of an
              efficiency apartment, the minimum habitable floor area, doesn’t
              say gross, it says habitable floor area, 550 square feet. It does
              say, however, that efficiency apartments can have 300 square
              feet, however, it says this exactly: Efficiency apartments
              (dwelling units for one person): 300 square feet.
              Now, these are the uses that are allowed and these are the uses
              that have even been discussed to a certain degree in this hearing
              tonight.

N.T., 7/16/2014, at 92-94; R.R. 92-94 (emphasis added). The Trust’s counsel,
Ronald Clever, requested an opportunity to respond to these arguments, and the
request was granted.
              At its next meeting of August 6, 2014, the Zoning Board had an
exchange with the Board’s solicitor regarding the Trust’s brief. It follows:

              Ms. Lordeman:[11] On the first matter I would move we deny
              the appeal of the zoning officer’s decision. Although the
              zoning officer cited probably an incorrect section of the code
              with respect to the floor space, the zoning officer was correct
              that the sufficient square footage requirement was not met.
              Ms. Kammerer:[12] Do I have a second to that motion?
              Mr. McIlhenny:[13] Second.

11
   Jane Lordeman, member of the Zoning Board.
12
   Marcie Kammerer, Chairperson of the Zoning Board.
13
   Robert McIlhenny, Vice Chairperson of the Zoning Board.

                                            10
                 Attorney Wilcox:[14] Just for clarification just so I’m sure, in
                 other words, that section cited the required 750 square feet, I
                 think you are indicating that that’s not really the controlling
                 standard, it’s another section in the ordinance that controls
                 minimum floor space.
                 Ms. Lordeman: Yes, Section 140-31 B.
                 Attorney Wilcox: We need a motion the 303 square feet set
                 forth, you don’t believe that –
                 Ms. Lordeman: I don’t believe that was met either.
                 Attorney Wilcox: That meets the requirement. Okay.
                 Ms. Kammerer: There was a second to the motion. Is there any
                 discussion on the motion?
                 (No response.)
                 Ms. Kammerer: With that said, all those in favor of the motion
                 say aye.
                 Mr. McIlhenny: Aye.
                 Ms. Kammerer: Aye.
                 Ms. Lordeman: Aye.
                 Ms. Kammerer: Those opposed.
                 (No response.)
                 Ms. Kammerer: Motion is granted….

N.T., 8/6/2014, 3-4; R.R. 100-101.
                 The above-quoted notes of testimony show that the Trust was not
deprived of an opportunity to present evidence or argument on whether its
application satisfied Section 140-31.B. The zoning officer’s letter referenced the

14
     Clayton Wilcox, Solicitor to the Zoning Board.

                                                11
wrong provision of the Zoning Ordinance. However, the Trust knew that square
footage, specifically the minimum habitable floor space, was the issue before the
record closed. It did not object when the Zoning Board corrected the denial letter
to include Section 140-31.B. Likewise, the Trust did not request an opportunity to
submit additional evidence to address Section 140-31.B of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Trust’s evidence addressed why it could not satisfy the 750 square foot
minimum requirement of Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) of the Zoning Ordinance. The
Trust does not specify what different evidence, if any, it would have presented to
address the 550 habitable square foot requirement in Section 140-31.B.
             In any case, the Trust looks at Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) in a vacuum.
Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) provides: “Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, each
unit shall be a minimum of 750 square feet or larger.” (emphasis added). Section
140-31.B of “this chapter” specifies that all “dwelling units” shall not be less than
the minimum habitable floor area as follows:

             (2) Multifamily, residential conversions, secondary dwelling
             units, temporary housing for farm workers and mobile or
             manufactured homes, with the exception of efficiency
             apartments: 550 square feet; (3) Efficiency apartments
             (dwelling units for one person): 300 square feet.”

ZONING ORDINANCE §140-31.B.(2) and (3). The citation noted by the zoning
officer was not erroneous; it was simply incomplete.
             The correction by the Zoning Board actually favored the Trust by
reducing the square footage requirements for the multiplex. More importantly,
unlike the landowner in Orange Stones, the Trust knew before the record closed
the nature of the legal issue. The Trust could have requested more time to submit
evidence, if it had deemed it appropriate. It was given the opportunity to file a

                                         12
brief to address the requirements of Section 140-31.B. We reject the Trust’s
argument that it was denied due process.
                                  Dimensional Variance
             In its second issue, the Trust argues that it met the burden for a
dimensional variance. It contends that the Zoning Board ignored the testimony
offered by Becker and the Trust’s architect, Wizeman, on the prohibitive cost of
the work required to renovate the former motel to make each unit comply with the
minimum requirements of Section 140-15.C.(4)(c) of the Zoning Ordinance for a
multiplex in the MU-2 zoning district. The Township counters that the Trust
offered no evidence that it considered other uses of the property that will not
require a variance from current zoning requirements.
             The Township has adopted the following requirements for a variance,
which echo those found in Section 910.2(a) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code:15

             (1) The Zoning Hearing Board shall hear requests for
             variances where it is alleged that the provisions of this chapter
             inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant…. The Board
             may grant a variance, provided that all of the following findings
             are made in a given case:
                    (a) That there are unique physical circumstances
                    or conditions, including irregularity, narrowness or
                    shallowness of a lot area or shape, or exceptional
                    topographical or other physical conditions peculiar
                    to the particular property and that the unnecessary
                    hardship is due to such conditions and not the
                    circumstances or conditions generally created by

15
  Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, added by the Act of December 21, 1988, P.L. 1329, 53 P.S.
§10910.2(a).

                                            13
                   the provisions of this chapter in the neighborhood
                   or district in which the property is located.
                   (b) That, because of such physical circumstances
                   or conditions, there is no possibility that the
                   property can be developed in strict conformity
                   with the provisions of this chapter and that the
                   authorization of a variance is therefore necessary
                   to enable the reasonable use of the property.
                   (c) That such unnecessary hardship has not been
                   created by the applicant.
                   (d) That the variance, if authorized, will not alter
                   the essential character of the neighborhood or
                   district in which the property is located, nor
                   substantially or permanently impair the appropriate
                   use or development of adjacent property, nor be
                   detrimental to the public welfare.
                   (e)  That the variance, if authorized, will represent
                   the minimum variance that will afford relief and
                   will represent the least modification possible of the
                   regulation at issue.

ZONING ORDINANCE §140.61.D.(1)(a)-(e). “When seeking a dimensional variance
within a permitted use, the owner is only asking for a reasonable adjustment of the
zoning regulations in order to utilize the property in a manner consistent with the
applicable regulations.”   Hertzberg v. Zoning Board of Adjustment of City of
Pittsburgh, 721 A.2d 43, 47 (Pa. 1998). In Tidd v. Lower Saucon Township
Zoning Hearing Board, 118 A.3d 1, 8 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2015), this Court explained:

            Under Hertzberg, courts may consider multiple factors in
            determining whether an applicant established unnecessary
            hardship for a dimensional variance. These factors include:
            “the economic detriment to the applicant if the variance was
            denied, the financial hardship created by any work necessary to
            bring the building into strict compliance with the zoning
            requirements and the characteristics of the surrounding
            neighborhood.” Id. at 50 (emphasis added).
                                        14
             Although Hertzberg eased the requirements, it did not remove
             them. Tri–County [Landfill, Inc. v. Pine Township Zoning
             Board, 83 A.3d 488 (Pa. Cmwlth.), appeal denied, 101 A.3d
             788 (Table) (Pa. 2014)]. An applicant must still present
             evidence as to each of the conditions listed in the zoning
             ordinance, including unnecessary hardship. Id.

             Proof of hardship is required for any variance, even a dimensional
variance. Where a variance is requested to increase profitability or maximize
development potential, unnecessary hardship is not satisfied “even under the
relaxed standard set forth in Hertzberg.”      Society Hill Civic Association v.
Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment, 42 A.3d 1178, 1187 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2012)
(citations omitted).   The unreasonable economic burden must apply to “all
dimensionally compliant uses of the property, not just the particular use the owner
chooses.” Yeager v. Zoning Hearing Board of the City of Allentown, 779 A.2d
595, 598 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2001) (emphasis added). It is the property that causes the
hardship, not the applicant. Id.
             Here, the Trust contends that it proved an unnecessary hardship
because it would be prohibitively expensive to transform the existing dwelling
units into units measuring 750 square feet. Becker opined that, if he had to
reconfigure the building, “the rents won’t go up very much at all because this is
affordable housing at the lower level of rents that can be achieved in that area of
Straban Township.” N.T., 7/16/2014, at 33; R.R. 33.
             The Zoning Board explained that the Trust’s perceived hardship arises
from its plan to convert each motel room into undersized dwellings for individuals
and families. Zoning Board’s opinion at 8; R.R. 125. However, two motel room
units could be merged into one apartment, which would meet the standards for a

                                        15
three unit residential conversion or efficiency apartments. Id. This would also
conform to the minimum habitable floor area requirements.
                In determining whether an applicant has satisfied the requirements for
a dimensional variance, all compliant uses of the property must be considered, not
just the particular use that the owner prefers. Township of Northampton v. Zoning
Hearing Board of Northampton Township, 969 A.2d 24, 29-30 (Pa. Cmwlth.
2009); Yeager, 779 A.2d 595. “A variance may be granted only upon proof that a
substantial burden attends all dimensionally compliant uses of the applicant’s
property....”    Township of East Caln v. Zoning Hearing Board of East Caln
Township, 915 A.2d 1249, 1254 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2007) (emphasis added). The Trust
does not claim that a substantial burden attends all dimensionally compliant uses of
the property as required.16 Id. Accordingly, the Trust did not prove that there is no
possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.17 Further, this Court may not substitute its

16
   The MU-2 zoning district, in which the property is located, permits numerous residential and
non-residential uses, including, but not limited to, single-family detached dwellings, multiplexes,
residential conversions, professional offices, personal service businesses, and community
buildings. See Section 140-11 of the Zoning Ordinance, Table 140-11-1.
17
   In its opinion, the trial court reasoned:
         Becker testified that it would cost $16,000 to move or replace an interior wall and
         to re-configure the area comprising Units 4-12 would cost approximately $90,000.
         However, he offered no contractor estimates supporting these figures.
         Furthermore, it is not clear that any interior walls need to be removed in order to
         combine two existing units into a single unit. A careful review of Trust Exhibit 2
         reveals a significant likelihood that eight of the units (No. 5-12) could be
         combined into four units…by simply creating an entry way between the two
         combined units near one of the front doors…. Using Becker’s figures, this would
         increase the gross area of each combined unit to approximately 684 square feet
         and would only require an 8.8% deviation from the requirements of the
         ordinance…. Consequently, Becker has not shown that the deviation request is
         the least modification necessary to secure the permitted use.
(Footnote continued on the next page . . .)
                                               16
interpretation of the evidence for that of the fact-finder, in this case the Zoning
Board.18 Based on the Board’s findings that the Trust did not prove unnecessary
hardship or that it will be substantially burdened by every dimensionally compliant
use of the property, we conclude that the Board did not err in upholding the denial
of the Trust’s requested variance.
               For all of these reasons, we affirm the order of the trial court.

                                          _____________________________________
                                          MARY HANNAH LEAVITT, President Judge

(continued . . .)
Trial court opinion, 9/24/2015, at 14-15 (internal footnotes omitted).
18
   “On review[,] an appellate court may not substitute its interpretation of the evidence for that of
the Board. Assuming the record demonstrates the existence of substantial evidence, the Court is
bound by the Board’s findings which are the result of resolutions of credibility and conflicting
testimony rather than a capricious disregard of evidence.” Vanguard Cellular System, Inc. v.
Zoning Hearing Board of Smithfield Township, 568 A.2d 703, 707 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1989). “The
Board, as fact finder, has the power to reject even uncontradicted testimony if the Board finds the
testimony to be lacking in credibility.” Id.

                                                17
         IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Heywood Becker, Trustee of         :
Hanoverian Trust and               :
Hanoverian Trust,                  :
                  Appellants       :
                                   :
           v.                      :   No. 2092 C.D. 2015
                                   :
Zoning Hearing Board of            :
Straban Township                   :

                                 ORDER

           AND NOW, this 26th day of August, 2016, the order of the Adams
County Court of Common Pleas dated September 24, 2015, in the above-captioned
matter is AFFIRMED.
                                _____________________________________
                                MARY HANNAH LEAVITT, President Judge