Board grants variances for Summit Road house addition despite nonconforming setbacks

The Springfield Township Board of Adjustment on March 18 approved variances needed for an addition to a home at Summit Road (Block 3201, Lot 16), concluding the relief could be granted without detriment to neighboring properties.

Attorney Harvey Fruchter presented the application for Kasia Associates LLC and confirmed statutory notices and jurisdiction. Carmine Coccia, testifying for the applicant, said the existing house is older and described planned interior renovations (kitchen, bathrooms, basement, new HVAC, plumbing and electrical) and exterior work including demolition of an existing rear deck and construction of a new deck closer to the center of the yard. Coccia said the project maintains the existing footprint while adding vertical space and will include a single‑door, two‑car garage to replace a prior nonconforming carport.

On zoning specifics, the applicant testified that the current lot‑coverage figure is "25.5" and that the proposal reduces it to "23.9", while citing a township requirement of "22.5". The applicant described front‑yard setback at about 44.4 feet (the ordinance requires 50 feet) and said the project does not expand horizontal setbacks but adds height. Board members asked about the placement of air‑conditioning units; Coccia said existing units sit at the rear of the house beneath the proposed deck and the new units will occupy the same location. When asked about exterior materials, Coccia said the siding will likely be hardy siding with Aztec trim and other long‑lasting materials.

After questioning, a board member moved to grant the variances and another seconded. The board voted in favor and Clerk announced the motion passed. No members of the public offered testimony or comments during the item.

The approval grants the variances stated on the record; further approvals and permitting by Township staff may be required before construction can begin.