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Zoning board grants Fernandez family a 35% impervious-coverage variance for paver patio
Summary
The Franklin Township Zoning Board granted Michelle and Ian Fernandez a variance to retain a paver patio that raises impervious coverage to 35% in the R-10 zone. Staff confirmed removal of an additional gravel patio that had briefly increased coverage to about 45%.
The Franklin Township Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 3 voted to grant Michelle and Ian Fernandez a variance to retain a paver patio that results in 35% impervious coverage at 32 Annapolis Street in the R-10 zone.
Board staff said the property’s R-10 district limit for impervious coverage is 30% and that the applicant’s as‑built survey shows 35% coverage. Staff told the board that the applicants had installed a larger patio at one point that increased coverage to roughly 45%, but that patio was later removed; staff said inspectors confirmed removal by hand excavation. The applicants testified they removed a gravel patio, replaced the area with mulch and planted shrubs after learning the as‑built exceeded the limit.
The board moved and seconded a motion to grant the variance to allow the current paver patio at 35% impervious coverage and approved it in a roll‑call vote. The board recorded seven yes votes and no abstentions.
The board did not record any conditions beyond the variance itself during the hearing. Neighbors did not appear to speak in opposition during the public-comment portion; the board closed the hearing to the public before voting.
The applicants said the overage was inadvertent, that they removed additional patio material at their own cost and installed plantings to reduce runoff. Staff and the board heard no reports of drainage problems at the property during recent heavy downpours.
