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Resident asks board to permit garage on vacant lot; officials outline variance and amendment routes
Summary
A resident asked whether a detached garage could be built on a lot lacking a principal dwelling. Officials said existing zoning treats garages as accessory uses requiring a primary dwelling; options include seeking a variance or pursuing a board-proposed zoning amendment through the planning commission, which the board could fund.
Robert Schmidt told the board he is interested in purchasing a nearby parcel and asked whether the township would allow building a garage on a lot that lacks a principal dwelling. "I would be interested in the property if I could build a garage on a setback and not have to build a primary well-being on it 1st," he said.
Officials responded that current zoning treats a garage as an accessory use and therefore requires a principal structure on the parcel. The solicitor and planning staff outlined two paths: seek an individual variance through the zoning hearing board, or have the board propose a text amendment to the planning commission. The board noted a board-proposed amendment could be absorbed at township expense, potentially making it easier for residents than the variance process, and agreed to review zoning sections and pursue options at future meetings.
