Board approves replacement of existing deck in floodplain, owner says deck will match current footprint

Haverford Township's Zoning Hearing Board on July 16 granted a variance allowing Blanca and Nathan Himes to replace an existing rear deck at 5033 Bridal Lane that lies within the township's floodplain conservation district, provided the replacement matches the current footprint and complies with modern building standards.

Blanca Alaina Himes (sworn) told the board the existing deck, built in 1991, is deteriorated and that the family seeks to replace it on the same footprint. The applicant said the deck is open on posts and that the replacement would not enclose the structure or place fill in the floodplain. "We're only asking to replace what exists," Himes said. The applicant said the deck will meet current building standards and described planned use of concrete or helical footings with metal base connections to resist rot and increase longevity.

The board asked technical questions about the deck's two-tier layout and elevations. The applicant cited FEMA base flood elevation information and said the deck's lowest portion will sit about 6 feet 8 inches above ground and a higher portion at about 15 feet 4 inches, putting the deck structure above the base flood elevation.

The board admitted exhibits (deed and site plan) and closed the record. The board voted to approve the variance subject to the project being completed within one year and built to current code; the zoning officer will oversee final compliance and permit issuance.

The Himeses' request concerned an existing, nonconforming structure in a floodplain; the board's finding emphasized that replacement of an open-deck structure in the same footprint, using elevated post supports, minimizes floodplain impact compared with enclosed construction or fill.