WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES
May 12, 2008
The Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals met in regular session on May 12, 2008 in the Meeting Room of Washington Township Government Center. Members of the Board present were Mrs. Mulligan, Mrs. Fischer, Mrs. Fish and Mr. Schwartz. Mr. Horine was excused.
Call to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mrs. Fischer explained the hearing format and voting procedure.
The Oath was administered by Mrs. Fischer.
MOTION – Mrs. Mulligan moved the minutes of April 14, 2008 be approved as submitted.
Motion seconded by Mrs. Fish.
VOTE - Mrs. Mulligan, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes; Mrs. Fish, yes; Mr. Schwartz, abstain.
Case A-1538 - Edward Wallace, 6466 Sweet Briar Lane
Request is for a variance to allow a cargo trailer to be stored on a residential (R-3) zoned property.
Andy Ehrhart , Zoning & GIS Manager, presented the case.
Applicant represented by Ed and Kathy Wallace, 6466 Sweet Briar Lane. It was stated that the trailer is a 2001 Shadow Master, 20 x 8 ½w x 7 ½h, which was bough brand new. They tow with a late 1990’s Chevy Suburban. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace reviewed the Dodge Demon that he hauls in the trailer. The trailer was paid for with winnings received at a racing event. They also reviewed the racing that Mr. Wallace does nationally and stated that the car is always in some sort of development and working on it.
Before purchasing the property in 1986, they wanted to make sure they could build an additional garage. Mr. Wallace stated he talked to the then Zoning Inspector who gave the perimeters of where the garage can be located. They have parked the trailer in that location for the past 25 years.
Mrs. Wa llace stated that until early January, they thought everything was fine. They then received a letter from the current Zoning Inspector, Ken Parks. Off-site storage of the trailer was reviewed and they presented the Board with the cost of off-site storage as well as additional costs involved. They also discussed the alternate option of raising the height of the garage door which would cost in excess of $4,500. The Wallace’s stated it is there intention to be in compliance. The other two methods to comply would impose an economic hardship. They also stated they are seeking a very specific variance.
Mr. Schwartz – The Zoning Inspector in 1986 stated it would be fine. Do you have anything in writing stating this or was it just verbal?
Mr. Wallace – Stated it was just verbal.
Mrs. Mulligan – What is stored in the garage?
Mr. Wallace – The race car is in one-half of the garage and the Suburban is in the other half.
Mrs. Mulligan – Could the trailer fit in the garage if the garage door was higher?
Mr. Wallace – Yes.
Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included:
Tom Spears, 505 Saddlewood Avenue – Indicated he does not see a problem with the trailer.
George Punter, 6453 Lander Lane – Stated the trailer has never been a problem and feels that it is not a detriment to the neighborhood.
David Hodson, 6400 Sweet Briar Lane – Drives by the property on a regular basis and hardly notices the trailer. There is not advertising on the trailer and it blends into the property.
Mike Gallagher, 481 Saddlewood Avenue – Stated that he cannot see the trailer from his property due to the vegetation. Mr. Wallace does not pose a problem to the neighborhood.
Jeff Murphy, 6450 Sweet Briar Lane – Being in the Air Force he has lived in numerous different neighborhoods throughout the United States. He understands the need for rules but does not feel this situation causes any problems.
Board remarks, concerns, and questions included:
Mrs. Mulligan – How long do you plan to continue racing?
Mr. Wallace – He will race for as long as he is physically able to race. Mr. Wallace estimates that time to be approximately 9-10 years.
Mr. Schwartz – Impressed by the fact that he came into the property and has attempted to be in compliance.
Hearing closed.
Motion - Mrs. Fish moved in Case A-1538 to approved applicant’s request for a variance to allow a cargo trailer to be stored on a residential (R-3) zoned property.
Motion seconded by Mr. Schwartz.
VOTE - Mrs. Mulligan, no; Mrs. Fischer, no; Mrs. Fish, yes; Mr. Schwartz, yes.
Case A-1538 denied.
Case A-1539 – Centerville Community Church, 10688 Dayton-Lebanon Pike
Request is for conditional use approval for a new solarium addition to the church located in an Agricultural (A) zoning district.
Andy Ehrhart , Zoning & GIS Manager, presented the case.
Applicant represented by Steve Bell, Patio Enclosures. Mr. Bell stated that he spoke with the church representatives in 2007; however, the addition was left out of the original plan.
Mrs. Mulligan – What is the size of the addition?
Mr. Bell – 8’ x 22’.
Mrs. Mulligan – Is the addition out in front of the church?
Mr. Bell – Yes.
Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included: None.
Board remarks, concerns, and questions included: None.
Hearing closed.
Motion - Mrs. Mulligan moved in Case A-1539 to approve applicant’s request for a conditional use approval for a new solarium addition t the church located in an Agricultural (A) zoning district.
Motion seconded by Mr. Schwartz.
VOTE - Mrs. Mulligan, yes; Mrs. Fischer, yes; Mrs. Fish, yes; Mr. Schwartz, yes.
Case A-1539 approved.
Meeting adjourned. A tape recording of this proceeding is on file in the Zoning office.
Carol Fischer, Vice Chairperson
Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals