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Harrison Township Zoning Board approves side-yard setback variances for residential lot
Summary
The Harrison Township Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 11 approved east- and west-side setback variances for Property #17-12-20-479-001, finding an extreme hardship that otherwise would limit buildable area to 528 sq ft versus the ordinance minimum of 1,000 sq ft. The motion passed 4–1.
The Harrison Township Zoning Board of Appeals voted Feb. 11 to grant two side-yard setback variances for Property #17-12-20-479-001 to allow a larger buildable structure on the lot.
Engineer Lawrence Mislinski, representing applicants Maik Gruff and Laith Yono, told the board that “if the variance is not granted, essentially, this property cannot be used in a permitted purpose without a significant financial loss or practical difficulty to the property/property owner.” He said the largest building that could be built without relief is about 528 square feet, while the township ordinance requires a minimum permitted structure of 1,000 square feet.
The variance request sought a 15-foot reduction on the west side and a 10-foot reduction on the east side. Applicant Laith Yono attended to answer board questions. Neighbor Ingrid Baranski asked about the location of the driveway, and current property owner Kimberly Stover spoke in support of the application.
After discussion, board member Shayne Gleason moved to approve the two variances; Robert Leonetti seconded. The roll-call vote recorded ayes from Gleason, Leonetti, Bratto and Torp and a single nay from Oparka. The motion carried 4–1.
The board’s approval referenced compliance with lot-coverage and impervious-surface calculations in section 14.01 of the Harrison Township ordinance and concluded that an extreme hardship was presented by the lot’s configuration and the ordinance’s dimensional requirements.
No additional conditions or appeals were recorded in the minutes. The board adjourned at 8:07 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025.
