WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES
May 14, 2007
The Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals met in regular session on May 14, 2007 in the Meeting Room of Washington Township Government Center. Members of the Board present were Mrs. Mulligan, Mr. Ciambrone, Mrs. Fischer and Mrs. Gastineau (as alternate). Mr. Horine 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.
Case A- 1501 – Corey T. Lam, 190 Banbury Road
Request is for a variance to reduce the side yard setback from the required fifteen feet (15’) to five and one-half feet (5 ½ ’) for an accessory structure in a Residential 4 (R-4) zoning district.
Andy Ehrhart , Zoning & GIS Manager, presented the case.
The Board read letters sent in by Dean and Lisa Hayes supporting the variance and by George and Mary Zdesar opposing the variance.
Applicant represented by Roy M. Thomason, 2475 Trebein Road. Mr. Thomason indicated that Mr. Lam’s understanding was that the requirement was half way to the rear of the lot and not the rear yeard. Mr. Lam thought he was following the rules with his placement of the shed. He indicated Mr. Lam takes care of his disabled parents and stores wheelchairs, walkers, etc. along with lawn care equipment in the shed. The privacy fence will be continued from the current location to attach to the side of the shed. The shed has doors on both the front and rear to provide access to both yards.
Mr. Ciambrone – Asked what the relationship was between Mr. Thomason and Mr. Lam.
Mr. Thomason – We are good friends.
Mr. Ciambrone – Asked how the foundation is constructed.
Mr. Thomason – Typical construction on concrete block.
Mr. Ciambrone – Any idea of how much it would cost to move the shed?
Mr. Thomason – Not at this time.
Mr. Ehrhart – Questioned if there were any thoughts of moving the shed closer to the walk to reduce the variance?
Mr. Thomason – No. This would not allow the walk to still be useful.
Mrs. Fischer – What kind of items are stored in the shed?
Mr. Thomason – Wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included: None.
Public hearing closed.
Board remarks, concerns, and questions included: None.
Hearing closed.
Motion - Mrs. Fischer moved in Case A-1501 to deny applicant’s request for a variance to reduce the side yard setback from the required fifteen feet (15’) to five and one-half feet (5 ½ ’) for an accessory structure in a Residential 4 (R-4) zoning district.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Mulligan.
Mr. Ciambrone – Explained the criteria that the Board uses to decide variances as well as concern of setting a precedent. Mr. Ciambrone reviewd practical difficulties adding that the applicant did not meet most of them. Practical difficulties B, F, and E being the most substantial ones that were not met.
VOTE - Mrs. Mulligan, yes; Mr. Ciambrone, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes; Mrs. Gastineau, yes.
Mr. Ciambrone – Added the Fire Department comment states that nothing less than ten feet (10’) between structures should be approved.
Case A-1501 denied.
Meeting adjourned. A tape recording of this proceeding is on file in the Zoning office.
Richard Ciambrone, Chairman
Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals