By: Amanda Sundquist
Chester County and other local residents often wonder if they can appeal a decision by their Zoning Hearing Board (“ZHB”). In a recent case, a landowner applied to the ZHB for variances. At the hearing, the ZHB granted a resident party status. The resident tried to appeal the ZHB’s decision. The landowner argued the resident could not appeal because he was not an aggrieved party. The Commonwealth Court determined when a resident attends a hearing to oppose a landowner’s application and the landowner does not object to the resident appearing or becoming a party, the resident is able to appeal the decision. See Thompson v. Zoning Hearing Board of Horsham Township, 963 A.2d 622 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2009).
For questions regarding party status or other standing issues in a land use appeal, please contact Amanda Sundquist.
