Beecham Enters., Inc. v. Zoning Hearing Board

OPINION OF THE COURT

ZAPPALA, Justice.

The question in this case is whether the equitable doctrine of vested rights applies so as to permit the continued use of a sign that exceeds the dimensional limits of the zoning ordinance.

The appellant, Motel Six, Inc., owns a four acre parcel of property in Kennedy Township, Allegheny County, on which, as the company’s name suggests, it operates a motel. The appellee, Beecham Enterprises, Inc., owns a sixteen acre parcel directly across the street from the Motel Six parcel, on which is located the company headquarters. Both properties are located in a…