Clark Township Board of Adjustment approves porch variance for 12 Florence Drive, agrees conditions on sheds and permit timing

The Clark Township Board of Adjustment on Aug. 26 approved a bulk variance for 12 Florence Drive allowing a widened front porch to intrude into the 25-foot front-yard setback and agreed to regularize three existing backyard sheds, subject to conditions and formal memorialization at the board’s next meeting.

Donald B. Fraser Jr., an attorney with Grama, Fraser and Forrester representing owner Brenda Alborn, told the board the property is slightly out of compliance on impervious coverage (about 50.4% versus the 50% maximum noted on the submitted survey) but that the applicant would remove paved area if the relief were granted to bring the lot into compliance. Fraser also said the house itself sits about 24.61 feet from the front lot line, and the proposed porch would result in roughly a 5.5-foot intrusion into the required setback.

Brenda Alborn, sworn and testifying in support of her application, said the porch is intended to provide a safer landing and railing for her 85-year-old father, who uses a crutch and is unsteady on…