Commission recommends variance for deck at 1179 Beaumont after owner says encroachment was unintentional

The Easttown Planning Commission on June 2 voted to recommend that the zoning hearing board grant a variance allowing a deck at 1179 Beaumont to be located 8 feet from the side property line.

Ryan Laughlin, who identified himself as the owner, developer and general contractor for the property, told the commission that the home had an existing nonconforming deck in poor condition. “We removed the nonconforming structure without knowing, and that was actually further into the property line than the new deck that we constructed now,” Laughlin said, adding that the encroachment was unintentional and that his intent was to “provide a new outdoor space, and remove an unsafe structure for the future homeowner.”

Staff clarified that the old deck extended to roughly 4 feet from the property line and the newly constructed deck encroaches to 8 feet, creating a 2‑foot variance from the township’s 10‑foot setback requirement. Commissioners described the change as de minimis. The Chair moved that the commission recommend a variance from section 455‑132 to allow construction of the deck at 8 feet from the side property line; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners asked whether the applicant had consulted township ordinances before removing the prior deck and whether neighboring property owners had been notified. Laughlin said he had not reviewed the ordinances before removing the unsafe structure and that he had not yet spoken with the adjacent homeowner; Staff said the matter will proceed to the zoning hearing board and that the township will mail public notice to property owners within a 500‑foot radius.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory to the zoning hearing board, which will hold a separate hearing and accept public comment before issuing a final decision on the variance request.