WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES
April 23, 2007
The Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals met in regular session on April 23, 2007 in the Meeting Room of Washington Township Government Center. Members of the Board present were Mr. Horine, Mr. Ciambrone and Mrs. Fischer. Mrs. Mulligan was excused.
Call to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Ciambrone explained the hearing format and voting procedure.
The Oath was administered by Mr. Ciambrone.
MOTION – Mr. Horine moved the minutes of April 9, 2007 be approved as submitted.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Fischer.
VOTE - Mr. Horine, yes; Mr. Ciambrone, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes.
Case A-1493 - Lawrence L. & Janetta Long, 1431 Penbrook Trail
Request is for a variance to decrease the front yard setback from the required fifty feet (50’) to forty feet (40’) for an addition to a single family residence located in a Single Family Residential (R-4) zoning district.
Mr. Horine – Stated that he had met Mr. Long previously but did not feet that it would influence his opinion in this case.
Andy Ehrhart , GIS & Zoning Manager, presented the case.
Applicant represented by Lawrence Long, 1431 Penbrook Trail. Mr. Long addressed the Board and indicated his intent is to retain the architectural characteristics while extending the garage out. He has measured the lot and will still have 50’ of driveway even though there is some right of way.
Mr. Ciambrone – Did you consider other alternatives?
Mr. Long – Did consider other options both to the east and to the west.
Mr. Horine – Is the variance requested to extend the garage?
Mr. Long – Explained the layout of the garage with a woodworking area.
Mr. Long – Indicated the contractor will be able to address the driveway slope.
Mr. Ciambrone – Stated he is not totally in favor of this addition.
Mr. Long – They did consider a freestanding building as another option.
Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included: None.
Public hearing closed.
Board remarks, concerns, and questions included:
Mr. Horine – Noted that there were no neighbors present to object to the variance. The addition does not seem as big with the easement and the curve of the road.
Mrs. Fischer – Stated she is more inclined to agree since there are no neighbors to voice a concern.
Hearing closed.
Motion – Mr. Horine moved in Case A-1493 to approve applicant’s request for a variance to decrease the front yard setback from the required fifty feet (50’) to forty feet (40’) for an addition to a single family residence located in a Single Family Residential (R-4) zoning district.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Fischer.
VOTE - Mr. Horine, yes; Mr. Ciambrone, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes.
Mr. Ciambrone – Wanted to make note that he does not like the extension into the front of the property. Would rather see applicant build a freestanding building if possible.
Case A-1493 approved.
Case A-1500 – William I Owens, 6108 Knowlton Court
Request is for a variance to decrease the side yard set back from the required ten feet (10’) to five feet (5’) to allow for a detached garage, located in a Single Family Residential (R-4) zoning district.
Andy Ehrhart , GIS & Zoning Manager, presented the case.
There was discussion regarding the Fire Department comment of the 10’ setback. The Board commented only a small portion of the garage would be in the 10’ setback area.
Applicant represented by William Owens, 6108 Knowlton Court. Mr. Owens addressed the Board with reasons for the requested variance. He is in need of additional garage space. The location of the garage as submitted on the plans is the only location available because of the many easements on the property. They had attempted to have the garage minimized as much as possible.
Mr. Ciambrone – What is the purpose of the garage?
Mr. Owens – Indicated his son has just moved in and they need the space.
Mr. Horine – Asked if they have considered a smaller garage?
Mr. Owens – Yes, but they have chosen this size in order to meet their needs.
Mr. Ciambrone – What is between the old garage and new garage?
Mr. Owens – There is a 3 ½ foot walkway.
Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included: None.
Board remarks, concerns, and questions included:
Mr. Horine – Indicated he was a little concerned with 4-car garages on lots in an R-4 zoning district. Realizes that the lot lines are not straight.
Mr. Ciambrone – Indicated there is also a large easement and only a small portion of the variance requested is in the 5’ area.
Mr. Ciambrone – Stated the addition is 20’ x 26’. Questioned if the garage could be made into a 1 ½ -car garage.
Hearing closed.
Motion – Mrs. Fischer moved in Case A-1500 to approve applicant’s request for a variance to decrease the side yard set back from the required ten feet (10”) to five feet (5’) to allow for a detached garage located in a Single Family Residential (R-4) zoning district, subject to: 1) no additional accessory buildings permitted on the property; and 2) the building materials match the existing home.
Motion seconded by Mr. Horine.
VOTE - Mr. Horine, yes; Mr. Ciambrone, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes.
Mr. Ciambrone – Added that applicant has several extenuating circumstances with the easements and the unique nature of the lot.
Case A-1500 approved with modifications.
Meeting adjourned. A tape recording of this proceeding is on file in the Zoning office.
Richard Ciambrone, Chairman
Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals