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East Rockhill Zoning Hearing Board grants front-yard setback variance for Quakertown porch
Summary
The East Rockhill Township Zoning Hearing Board granted a variance July 29, 2020 allowing a front porch to extend to a 28-foot‑7‑inch setback at 1819 Old Bethlehem Pike, where 50 feet is normally required, with conditions including permit approval and roof/footing details.
The East Rockhill Township Zoning Hearing Board voted July 29, 2020 to grant a front-yard setback variance for a proposed porch at 1819 Old Bethlehem Pike in Quakertown. The applicants, Tina M. O’Rourke and Carolyn Bazik, sought relief from Section 27-702.b of the East Rockhill Township Zoning Ordinance to permit a setback of 28 feet 7 inches where 50 feet is required.
Applicants testified that the porch would be built over an existing slab, would match neighborhood aesthetics and is intended to alleviate water infiltration to the basement on the dwelling’s south side. They said footings will be installed by cutting out a portion of the existing slab and described the existing patio as 23 feet long.
On a motion by David Watt, seconded by Kathleen Hart, the board voted unanimously to grant the variance subject to conditions. The board required the applicants to obtain all appropriate permits, submit details showing how the porch roof will be attached to the existing structure and provide footing detail, and limit any roof extension to no more than 7½ inches beyond the existing patio footprint. The Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor’s prepared Conclusion of Law will serve as the official document recording the decision.
Board reorganization items preceded the variance hearing: the board elected David Chlebda as Chairperson and David Watt as Vice-Chairperson and appointed Scott MacNair, Esquire and the law firm Clemons, Richter & Reiss as board solicitor. A stenographic record of the July 29 proceedings was taken and will be retained for five years; requests for transcripts may be made to Catherine Meredith at Bucks County Court Reporters.
The board accepted the July 22, 2019 notes with no changes, discussed the status of a WEGBB hearing date and Rock Hill Quarry zoning hearings without taking action on those items, and adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
