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Bini Patel granted front‑portico setback variance for 79 Skylark in Springfield Township
Summary
The Springfield Township Board of Adjustment approved a front-yard setback variance for 79 Skylark Road to allow a front portico, garage and sun porch additions, finding the work climbs over a pre‑existing nonconformity and does not further encroach into the setback.
The Springfield Township Board of Adjustment on April 29 approved a front‑yard setback variance for 79 Skylark Road, allowing owner Bini Patel to add a front portico, sun porch and reconfigure the garage entrance.
Patel said the family has lived in Springfield "like 17 years" and called the town home; she told the board the project is a modest renovation to adapt an older house rather than an expansion. The board’s zoning professional summarized the geometry, saying the lot’s existing front‑yard setback was “34 and change” and that the proposed portico would only "croaches slightly to 48 and change," describing the request as relief for an existing nonconforming condition rather than a new encroachment.
Board members had no public objections and described the application as a dimensional variance for a pre‑existing nonconformity. Vice Chair Mark Cunningham moved to approve the relief; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call with votes recorded in the affirmative. Chairwoman Jodie Cohen and the members voted to grant the variance, and the board memorialized the decision.
The approval comes with standard conditions reflected in the memorandum and construction permitting process; no neighbor opposition was offered during the public portion of the hearing. The board will issue the memorializing resolution and the applicant may proceed to obtain permits.
The board convened with no other outstanding issues on this application and moved next to other matters on the agenda.
