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Board grants lot‑coverage variance for property on Black Horse Pike
Summary
Courtney Brown received board approval for a lot‑coverage variance in the RDC zone, allowing 10% coverage where residential use in that zone is typically capped at 3%; the applicant said the condition predates her purchase.
Courtney Brown sought and the board granted a bulk (C1) lot‑coverage variance for a property at 4177 Black Horse Pike in the township’s RDC zone, allowing up to 10% lot coverage where the ordinance limits residential coverage to 3% in that district.
Attorney Kevin Duk (appearing for Brown) and planner Terrence Combmes testified that the lot contains a preexisting single‑family dwelling, an accessory prefabricated building and accompanying driveways and that much of the current coverage dates to the early 2000s. Combmes testified the applicant purchased the property in April 2024 and made no changes that exacerbated the existing coverage; the foundation and partial work were permitted historically but the prior owner had not completed all permits.
The planner characterized the relief as merited because strict application of the 3% rule would require removal of long‑standing improvements and posed practical hardship. The board found that the relief could be granted without substantial detriment to surrounding properties and voted to approve the lot‑coverage variance. The record notes that uses beyond the current residential footprint (for example commercial operations) would require separate approvals and possible additional relief.
