Pottstown, PA zoning variance question

[Scott Seydor]

Looking to see if anyone has any experience filing for a zoning variance in Pottstown, PA.  Short(ish) story... I recently bought a duplex in Pottstown (first rental property) that came with a detached 4-car garage.  The garage has an unfinished walk-up attic (accessed from the outside) that could easily be converted into another two-bedroom apartment.  I submitted a zoning review application along with a sketch plan of the proposed apartment (I'm an architect) and they just came back stating that the conversion isn't allowed and I'd need to submit a formal variance request.  Specifically, the comments received were:

1. Chapter 27; S319 does not allow for this use.
2. Chapter 27; SSOO.1 two or more permitted uses shall not be permitted on one lot unless
subdivision... (full section)
3. Chapter 27; $500.2 does not allow for more than one principal building.
4. Chapter 27; 5OOO.t.A and $601.4.A off-street parking standards would be increased due
to the change of use.
a. The number of off-street parking spaces was not presented on the application;
however, through past conversations, l was advised that there is no off-street
parking is available on this Parcel.
b. Existing garage spaces cannot be counted towards off-street parking per Chapter
27; 5601.1.
c. 3 residential units x 2 parking spaces each= 6 off-street parking spaces are
required.

It's somewhat annoying that the biggest gripe seems to be surrounding parking and yet they won't consider the four off-street spaces I've already got in the garage?!?

So, if there's anyone out there that has dealt with the Pottstown Borough zoning folks, I'm wondering:  How did your variance request go?  Am I wasting my time, or do I have a shot here?  If I go down this road, do I need to hire an attorney to represent me?  

While the duplex is a homerun by itself, the garage attic conversion would crush it out of the park.