Pelham Village Commercial Zoning Change Hearing Resumes Tonight

Public hearing will continue at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night in Pelham Village Hall, 195 Sparks Ave, on a proposed law change to the Village of Pelham zoning codes that would eliminate 4 existing zones – B1, B2 and B3 business districts and the residence “M” district- and create 2 ‘commercial’ districts instead.

A statement from the Village of Pelham explains the proposed law change is intended to “simplify and clarify” the existing code which has not changed since the 1970s.

The two new commercial districts would create a retail cluster called “C-1” at 5th Avenue and Wolfs lane from Lincoln to Boulevard and another zone called “C-2” for 5th Avenue, north of Lincoln fro all other purposes.

If approved, the zoning changes would grandfather buildings being used for other purposes for as long as the current occupant or owner is in operation. The new zoning purpose would take effect if the use changed by the owner or tenant or if the current used stopped for more than a year. 

As currently defined, the “M” district allows multi-family dwellings and residences less than 40 feet tall; basement apartments are prohibited. The B1 district prohibits fast-food establishments; permits residential units with separate entrances. The B2 district includes funeral establishments; restricts single and two family dwellings to 35 feet and all other buildings to 48 feet. The B3 district excludes multi-family homes and permits dry cleaners, building, plumbing and electrical contractors.

During previous discussions of the changes, Mayor Edward Hotchkiss and the Village Trustees have fielded comments from residents expressing concerns about maintaining adequate parking near the train station and the impact of building heights on shadow patterns over the streets.