Richland Development News

Richland Township Approves Variance for Screened-In Deck Encroachment

The Richland Township Zoning Hearing Board considered a variance request for Barbara Foreman at 1078 Spring Meadow Drive. The applicant sought to allow a 12 by 18 foot (216 sq ft) roofed screened-in deck to infringe upon the 30-foot rear yard setback by four feet six inches. The property is in the RA Rural Agricultural Zoning District and was previously approved as a Planned Residential Development. The variance was requested from Section 27-557 of the ordinance. The board discussed the criteria for hardship, including unique physical characteristics, self-created hardship, and minimum relief necessary. The applicant argued that a roofed structure was necessary due to sun exposure and to avoid bugs, and that a screened porch was more financially feasible than a sunroom. The contractor noted that current regulations allow a deck but limit the roof size, creating an impractical situation. Concerns about runoff were addressed and deemed not an issue. The board ultimately approved the variance, allowing the screened-in deck to encroach by four feet six inches into the rear yard setback. The applicant was reminded that further permits are still required.