A Palmerton couple may convert an old store front into an additional apartment.

The borough's zoning hearing board on Tuesday granted a special exception for the dwelling at 494 Franklin Ave. to Mr. and Mrs. Jeffry Shupp.There was no public opposition to the plan, according to zoning board solicitor Jenny Serfass.The couple plans to change the use of the property from a 3-unit apartment building with an office unit to a 4-unit apartment building.The borough's zoning ordinance lists apartments as a special exception use in an R-2 (low density residential) zone.Off-street parking is required for both office space and dwelling units. Each dwelling unit includes a minimum 500-square-feet of enclosed, habitable, indoor, heated floor area.