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Cecil Township Zoning Hearing Board grants side-yard variance for Trecki shed after flood concerns
Summary
The Cecil Township Zoning Hearing Board approved a 6-foot side-yard variance allowing Lynette and Joe Trecki to build a larger backyard shed after they testified repeated flooding submerged their existing storage; the board noted a 30-day appeal window before a permit is issued.
At an approximately 7:00 meeting, the Cecil Township Zoning Hearing Board approved a 6-foot side-yard variance for applicants Lynette and Joe Trecki, clearing the way for a larger backyard shed the couple said they need because of repeated flooding that damaged their current storage.
The Treckis told the board their existing storage shed was submerged more than four feet during last year’s flooding, ruining heaters and other belongings, and said they want to place new, dry storage beside the house. "The flooding just seems to be getting worse and worse and worse down there," one applicant testified, describing losses of equipment and belongings.
Board members reviewed the proposed dimensions and compliance with zoning limits. The applicants said they initially applied for an 18-by-20 shed but were advised a 20-foot width is needed to include a proper staircase and landing for future accessibility; they said they plan a 20-by-32 structure (the installer discussed a possible 20-by-34 option). The board noted those dimensions put the structure at about 640 square feet (a 34-foot width would be about 680 square feet) and that the planned height would remain under the 15-foot limit.
A motion to approve the 6-foot side-yard variance (leaving a 4-foot setback to the property line) was made and seconded and carried by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript. The board recorder and solicitor told the applicants they will receive written confirmation and reminded them that either the township or a neighbor has 30 days to appeal the board’s determination. "So before you get locked into anything, you might wanna make sure that 30 days expires," the board solicitor said, advising the Treckis not to begin construction until the appeal window closes. The acting chair said the permit will be issued only after the appeal period passes.
The board handled routine business earlier in the meeting, including appointing Joe Flaherty as an alternate for the evening and tabling the June 15 minutes because Flaherty was not present for that meeting. With no further business, the board adjourned at about 07:11.
What happens next: The Treckis will receive written confirmation of the variance and, if no appeal is filed within 30 days, the township will issue the building permit to allow construction to proceed.
