Planning board grants bulk variance for 4,400‑sq‑ft garage at 775 Clems Run

The Elk Township Planning & Zoning Board voted unanimously May 21 to grant a bulk variance allowing James Conner Jr. to build a 4,400‑square‑foot detached garage at 775 Clems Run.

Conner told the board he plans to place the garage in a 2‑acre exception area of a 34‑acre parcel. Board Engineer Chloe Bach said Elk Township’s ordinance permits a 2,400‑square‑foot detached garage and that, because the proposed disturbance exceeds 600 square feet, a Grading Plan must be reviewed and approved before a Bill of Increment is issued. Conner agreed to that condition and to submit corrected plans showing the proper block and lot.

Chairman Afflerbach and board members asked whether the remainder of the property would remain preserved farmland; Conner said it would. Bach confirmed no Tree Removal Permit is required for the proposal and noted that the farmland exception area does not require agricultural buffers under the board’s interpretation.

The board opened the public hearing and received no public comment. Mr. Goetsch moved to grant the variance subject to the conditions in the May 15, 2025 Bach review letter and testimony on the record; Mr. Wolf seconded. A roll call vote recorded eight ayes, zero nays and zero abstentions.

The approval was for the specific bulk variance requested and includes the requirement that corrected plans and any required grading documentation be submitted and approved as conditions of final action. No other approvals (e.g., building permits) were granted at the meeting.