December 20, 2012

approximately 22.5’ tall. He asked Ms. Beirne to have the resolution show this and instructed Mr. Novak to show it on the revised drawings. Mr. Buechler stated that his motion to approve this application is subject to the changes just stated and the application must be amended to include the additional variance. Mr. Sussman seconded the motion. The vote was as follows: Buechtler: Yes Steinhart: Yes Bullock: - Sussman: Yes Gabry: Yes Weiss: Yes Merklinger: - Zaolino: - Quentzel: Yes Chairman Neuer = - 2, ZB-12-17/Blake Carried from 11/15/12 Block: 121; Lot: 45; Zone: R-T 132 High Street “C variance for side yard setbacks for a deck DISCUSSION Natalie Blake and Keon Blake approached the podium and were sworn under oath, Mr. Blake explained why they had to come before the Zouing Board. He stated that when they purchased their home, the home inspector advised them that the existing deck was unstable and had to be replaced. Mr. Blake said that after they replaced the deck, Ms. Adams came by the house and told them that they needed a variance because it was encroaching the side yard. He said that the original deck was concrete and they replaced it with a wooden deck. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Blake if it was a concrete slab; Mr. Blake said yes. Mr. Buechler addressed Mr. Blake asking if the deck was not there when he bought the house; Mr. Blake said yes the deck was not there. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Blake if he applied for a building permit to build the deck; Mr. Blake said no and said that he did not know they needed a permit. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Blake if they replaced a concrete slab with a wooden deck; Mr. Blake said yes. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Blake if the contractor he hired to do the work told them that they needed a permit; Mr. Blake said no. Mr. Buechler asked Mr. Blake if the contractor was from Town; Mr. Blake said no, Mr. Quentzel asked Mr. Blake if the contractor was licensed; Mr. Blake said no. Mr. Buechler stated that he is concerned about the deck being safe, the footings in particular, and suggested that someone from the Township’s Building Department inspect the deck. He told Mr. Blake that he should have applied for a building permit and had the deck built correctly. Mr. Buechler said that before they approve this application someone from the Township must inspect the deck. Mr. Quentzel suggested that subject to approval the deck must

had the deck built correctly. Mr. Buechler said that before they approve this application someone from the Township must inspect the deck. Mr. Quentzel suggested that subject to approval the deck must be inspected. 8