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Zoning board approves Wash King sign variance on Route 27, conditioned on sewage authority agreement and engineer review
Summary
The Zoning Board granted a C variance to Wash King Somerset Opco LLC to install a freestanding sign at 1463 Route 27, subject to an executed encroachment agreement with the Franklin Township Sewage Authority and satisfactory review by the township engineer of sight‑distance and materials.
On April 2, 2026 the Franklin Township Zoning Board approved a sign setback variance for Wash King Somerset Opco LLC at 1463 Route 27, subject to conditions requiring an executed encroachment agreement with the Franklin Township Sewage Authority and final review by the township engineer.
Attorney John Duca said the applicant revised exhibits following concerns raised at a prior hearing and that the only relief sought tonight was a setback variance to place the sign nearer the front yard because a retaining wall and a sewer easement constrain the possible base location. He described the proposed sign as having a narrow base set back from the curb with a wider upper section that would overhang the easement area.
Clint (sign designer/manufacturer) testified to field measurements showing the proposed sign top would clear nearby secondary power lines by more than 5 feet; he cited the National Electric Safety Code standard for such lines and said the measured clearance exceeded the three‑foot minimum. The applicant submitted an agreement in principle from the Franklin Township Sewage Authority to allow limited overhang into the sewer easement, including indemnification and maintenance/removal provisions; the counsel to the sewage authority confirmed the agreement had been prepared and is intended to be executed as part of resolution compliance.
Board members asked that one of the township engineers review sight‑triangle measurements, sight‑distance calculations and the sightline certification on the plans (applicant noted an engineer stamped structural components and said an engineer certified measurements but acknowledged township engineer review would be appropriate). The board conditioned approval on an executed sewage‑authority encroachment agreement and satisfactory township engineer review of sight‑distance and materials.
The board recorded recorded votes in favor from the members present and approved the variance with the stated conditions. The board emphasized that permits and installation are subject to resolution compliance and the engineer’s signoff.
Why it matters: The approval resolves safety and easement concerns that had previously kept the applicant from siting the sign near the road; the board’s conditions are intended to ensure public safety, protect sewer infrastructure and document responsibility for maintenance or removal if the sewage authority needs access.
