WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES

June 25, 2007

The Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals met in regular session on June 25, 2007 in the Meeting Room of Washington Township Government Center. Members of the Board present were Mr. Horine, Mr. Ciambrone, Mrs. Fischer and Mrs. Gastineau (alternate). 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. Ciambrone moved the minutes of June 11, 2007 be approved with modifications.

Motion seconded by Mrs. Fischer.

VOTE - Mr. Horine, yes; Mr. Ciambrone, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes; Mrs. Gastineau, abstain.

Case A-1504 – Linda Buhrman, 5620 Hugh Drive

Request is for a variance to decrease the side yard set back from the required fifteen feet (15’) to ten feet (10’) to allow for an accessory structure located in a Single Family Residential (R-4) zoning district.

Andy Ehrhart , Zoning & GIS Manager, presented the case.

Mr. Horine – Asked if the lot is just under half an acre?

Mr. Ehrhart – Correct.

Mr. Horine – Asked the size of a standard two-car garage?

Mr. Ehrhart – 24’ x 24’ or 24’ x 30’.

Applicant represented by Robert Buhrman, 5620 Hugh Drive. Mr. Buhrman stated the property is a challenge to save as many trees as possible. He has tried other alternatives to save the trees and make the garage accessible. Mr. Buhrman reviewed the layout and other options considered. He stated the garage is large because he has seven (7) children and at one time had twelve (12) cars. He has a car lift and wants to put it in the new garage.

Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included: None.

Board remarks, concerns, and questions included:

Mr. Horine – Feels it is an awfully large building on an awfully small lot. Applicant has explained his reasons for the size, but still feels it is too large of a building.

Mr. Ciambrone – Stated that if applicant moved the garage over five feet (5’) then they could build it without a variance.

Mr. Ehrhart – That is correct.

Mr. Horine – Feels the building should be narrower, about twenty-six feet (26’) wide.

Mr. Buhrman – Added that the side wall will be nine feet (9’) because he is using scissor trusses.

Hearing closed.

Motion - Mr. Horine moved in Case A-1504 to approve applicant’s request for a variance to decrease the side yard set back from the required fifteen feet (15’) to ten feet (10’) to allow for an accessory structure 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; Mrs. Gastineau, yes.

Case A-1504 approved.

Meeting adjourned. A tape recording of this proceeding is on file in the Zoning office.

Richard Ciambrone, Chairman

Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals