WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES
July 28, 2008

The Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals met in regular session on July 28, 2008 in the Meeting Room of Washington Township Government Center.  Members of the Board present were Mrs. Mulligan, Mr. Schwartz and Mrs. Gastineau (as alternate).  Mr. Horine, Mrs. Fischer and Mrs. Fish were excused.

Call to order at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Schwartz explained the hearing format and voting procedure.  Mr. Schwartz also explained that there were only three Board members present and gave opportunity to the applicant to wait for a full board to hear their case.

The Oath was administered by Mr. Schwartz.

Case A-1548 – Robert & Monica Fry, 6608 Green Park Drive

Request is for a variance to decrease the distance from the property line for an accessory structure from the required five feet (5’) to four feet (4’) on one side and two feet (2’) on another side on Residential 4 (R-4) zoned property.

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

Applicant represented by Robert Fry, 6608 Green Park Drive.  Mr. Fry addressed the board and reviewed the site plan and aerial photos.  He stated that in 2009 they are going to be remodeling the deck and shed.  The shed will be moved to be in compliance.

Mrs. Gastineau – Asked what the shed is used for.
Mr. Fry – They store the lawnmower, snow blower and lawn furniture; typical storage for a shed.

Citizens voicing concerns, question and comments included:

Brenda Tischer, 131 Forestview Drive – They would like the shed to be moved.  She was at work when the shed was put up.  There is a natural spring that flows down Forestview Drive and the shed backs up the water.  Mrs. Tischer presented photographs to the Board.  She explained that they have brought in a lot of soil and seed due to the drainage and stated that they did not have a problem until the shed was built.

Mr. Fry – Stated he does not understand the water issue.  Water runs downhill and they put the shed up off the ground to allow the water to run underneath it.

Mrs. Gastineau – Is the shed raised up so water can go underneath it?
Mr. Fry – They raised the shed so that water can go under the shed.

Mrs. Tischer – Indicated that there is a natural spring that runs along the property line.  Where the corners of the fence come together is where the water backs up.  She stated that there has not been a problem until the shed was placed.

Mr. Schwartz reviewed the photographs with Mrs. Tischer.

Board remarks, concerns, and questions included:  None.

Hearing closed.

Motion - Mrs. Mulligan moved in Case A-1548 to approve applicant’s request for a variance to decrease the distance from the property line for an accessory structure from the required five feet (5’) to four feet (4’) on one side and two feet (2’) on another side on Residential 4 (R-4) zoned property, subject to:  1) the shed to be moved within 18 months or January 10, 2010.

Motion seconded by Mrs. Gastineau.

VOTE - Mrs. Mulligan, yes; Mr. Schwartz, yes; Ms. Gastineau, yes.

Case A-1548 approved with modification.

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

Richard Schwartz, Acting Chairman
Washington Township Board of Zoning Appeals

BZA\Minutes\July 28, 2008