ZBA approves 20-foot side-yard variance to allow interior RV and boat storage on Jefferson

The Harrison Township Zoning Board of Appeals on April 14 approved a 20-foot side-yard setback variance for a Jefferson property owned by Boaz Enterprise, LLC to permit interior RV and boat storage and wider maneuvering aisles.

Peter Stuhlreyer, chief architect with Designhaus, said the parcel was recently conditionally rezoned from General Commercial to Industrial with a condition to add interior RV and boat storage as a permitted use. "This property was recently conditionally rezoned from General Commercial to Industrial, and that the condition is that the use would be added of interior RV and boat storage," he stated.

Stuhlreyer and applicant Paul Aggeler said the requested variance would allow side yards of 10 feet and 10 feet and would widen the aisles to improve circulation. Aggeler added that the additional space had been requested by the Fire Marshal to address access and safety concerns for moving large boats and trailered objects on the site.

Amanda Oparka moved to approve the 20-foot variance, saying strict enforcement could create safety and access problems for fire response and for moving trailered vehicles on the site. The board voted by roll call: Ayes — Amanda Oparka, Robert Leonetti, David Bratto, Shayne Gleason and Linda Torp; Nayes — none. The motion carried.

The variance eases side-yard requirements to permit the proposed storage use and related site circulation; no additional conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes.