The Township of Washington Zoning Board on Sept. 16, 2025 approved an extension of a prior variance for the property at 662 Jefferson Avenue, granting the current owner a deadline of June 1, 2026 for construction to commence and requiring submission of a recorded deed before the next meeting.

The extension affects a variance memorialized Nov. 19, 2020 that allowed a new single‑family home on a preexisting, nonconforming lot. The resolution being extended authorized relief for minimum lot area (about 5,500 sq. ft. where 7,500 is required), reduced street frontage (50 feet where 75 is required) and a one‑foot building‑height variance; the board’s prior approval also included conditions such as revised plans to the board engineer, curb installation on the appropriate street, drainage calculations and, if necessary, a larger seepage pit and a soil‑moving permit.

Applicant Jose Penafield, who testified that he bought the property about six months ago and is under contract to sell it, told the board, “I bought the property,” and said the buyer asked him to request an extension so the buyer could obtain permits and financing. Penafield said he would provide proof of ownership to the board secretary.

Board members discussed the appropriate length for an extension and settled on a date intended to give the prospective buyer time to close and begin permitting in spring. The board added language to the extension noting that it is “not inclined to grant another extension.” The board also required that construction be commenced by the new deadline; during discussion members clarified examples of work that constitute commencement could include activities such as tree clearing, site grading, fence or footing work, or other physical steps toward construction.

Board staff said the board’s engineer has discretion to review the required drainage and seepage‑pit work and to require modifications if field conditions demand it. The board secretary will prepare a written resolution memorializing the extension at the next meeting; the applicant was asked to provide documentation of ownership at least 10 days before that meeting.

A motion to grant the extension passed on a roll‑call vote of members present. The board’s action extends the previous zoning approval without amending the variances or other substantive conditions of the original resolution; any future noncompliance or failure to commence by the deadline would require the owner or subsequent owner to return to the board.