A home occupation in Lower Towamensing Township can expand and operate as an assisted living facility/personal care home.

By a unanimous measure, the township's zoning hearing board on Tuesday agreed to grant a variance to Donna Smith regarding the number of patients permitted at the property at 112 Northcreek Road.The variance permits that no more than eight patients may reside at the subject property, which is located in a Rural Conservation Zoning District.In addition, the board granted Smith a request for variances to several sections of the township zoning ordinance, which provides that the property may be used for an assisted living facility/personal care home.Public concernsAbout 10 people attended the hearing, according to board solicitor Holly Heintzelman.Of those, only one couple expressed concerns about what would happen to their property value, Heintzelman said.The conditionsHowever, as part of their approval, Heintzelman said zoners attached several conditions.Before any increase in patient number, the township's Sewage Enforcement Officer shall inspect the septic system and certify that the system is adequate for the intended expansion. A maintenance schedule shall be suggested by the SEO, and all maintenance reports shall be filed with the township zoning officer.By agreement of Smith and the property owners, the variances granted and home occupation are not transferable. Upon sale of the subject property, termination of the state license for any reason, or upon the death of Smith, the variances and home occupation shall cease.By agreement of Smith and the property owners, there shall be no exterior expansion construction to the subject property.Smith shall comply with all local, state and federal requirements relating to the operation of a personal care home/assisted living facility.Other request deniedA request for variances to several sections of the township's zoning ordinance were denied because the variances were deemed unnecessary, Heintzelman said.