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West Windsor Zoning Board approves setback variance for pavilion at 1736 Old Trenton Road
Summary
The West Windsor Zoning Board granted a variance Feb. 25 allowing homeowner Stephen Jenss to place a pavilion about 12 feet from the side property line at 1736 Old Trenton Road, citing lot shape and an on-site septic system as practical difficulties; a neighbor spoke in support.
The West Windsor Township Zoning Board voted Feb. 25 to approve a variance permitting a pavilion to be built roughly 12 feet from the side property line at 1736 Old Trenton Road.
The board approved the relief after applicant Stephen Jenss told the board the trapezoidal shape of his lot and the location of a septic tank and leach field make compliance with the R1C side-yard setback of 20 feet impractical. Jenss said the pavilion would occupy roughly the same footprint as the existing patio and would improve safety and usable outdoor space for his family. “We are constrained to the proposed placement,” Jenss told the board.
Board members said the applicant demonstrated the required practical difficulty. A board member who conducted the site inspection reported visiting the lot twice, locating property markers and confirming the submitted survey showed the pavilion would sit about 12 feet from the property line. The member told colleagues the configuration of the lot and the pre-existing placement of the house — constructed in 1985 before current setback rules — supported relief and that the proposal would not substantially harm neighboring properties.
A neighbor, Robert Johnson of 1738 Old Trenton Road, spoke in favor of the application and said he had no objection to the proposed pavilion. The board closed public comment before moving to deliberation.
After deliberation, a motion to approve the variance was made and seconded. The board called the roll and recorded affirmative votes; the transcript records the motion as approved but does not list an individual vote tally in sequence on the record.
The approval allows Jenss to construct the pavilion and replace the patio in the same footprint; the board noted the structure would be open-sided rather than an enclosed addition. The board did not record additional conditions in the transcript. No closed session was held before adjournment.
Next steps: the applicant may proceed consistent with local permitting requirements and any inspection or permit conditions required by township staff.
