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Zoning board approves variance to rebuild collapsed carport at 3006 Haw Avenue
Summary
The Millcreek Township Zoning Board approved a sideyard setback variance for John Engel to rebuild a detached carport that collapsed under heavy snowfall; the board (two members present) unanimously approved the appeal after the applicant said the replacement will match the prior footprint and an adjacent neighbor had agreed.
John Engel pleaded his case to the Millcreek Township Zoning Board on an appeal for 3006 Haw Avenue, asking permission to replace a sideyard carport that collapsed during heavy snowfall. "I'm here to request a variance, a sideyard setback variance to replace a sideyard carport that collapsed due to heavy snowfall," Engel said, adding the new structure would be "similar to the prior structure" but built with stronger materials.
Town staff and the applicant explained the lot's narrowness prevents relocating the structure to the rear yard and that the proposed detached carport would not meet the 10-foot separation required for a detached accessory structure. Staff noted the proposed structure would be "very similar in size" to the earlier carport and that the applicant had discussed the rebuild with the adjacent neighbor, who indicated agreement.
Board members asked technical questions about attachment and setbacks; Engel confirmed the replacement would be detached and use six-inch wood beams rather than the former aluminum posts. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing.
After a short recess the board reconvened and a motion to approve Appeal 26-03 was made and seconded. The board recorded the motion as approved with all present voting in favor.
The approval grants a sideyard setback variance to allow reconstruction in substantially the same footprint as the prior carport; the board noted that with only two members present applicants had the option to request an extension to a future hearing if they preferred to await a full panel. The board's formal decision will be entered in writing and retained with the hearing record.
