 |
CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
|
Present
Call to Order:
7:00 p.m.Announcements
None.
Approvals
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Richter moved to approve the January 14, 2025 meeting minutes and Mr. Motel seconded. Mr. Walker called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Plan Reviews
Conditional Use Application – Jay & April Robinson, Country Lane
Mr. Jay Robinson was present to discuss the conditional use application for 25 Country Lane. The applicant seeks approval to construct an accessory structure that exceeds 50% of the ground floor area of the principal structure. Mr. Robinson stated that the barn will be constructed on top of a concrete area that was once an inground pool. The primary uses of the barn will be to store their large pinball machine collection and to support the rescue dogs they foster for To Love a Canine dog rescue. Mr. Robinson showed the Commission the plan of the property and renderings of the proposed barn.
Mr. Churchill questioned the dog rescue use and whether they would have animals on the property. Mr. Robinson stated that they currently foster dogs for the rescue and that this would allow them to foster dogs in this structure and not in their house. Mr. Robinson further stated they normally foster 1 or 2 dogs at a time. They would not be housing large numbers of dogs. Mrs. Robinson stated they only foster 1 dog at a time at this time and that they are really trying to get their large pinball machine collection out of their home. There would be no outdoor runs for dogs or boarding of large numbers of dogs at any time.
Mr. Westhafer questioned the distance of the proposed barn to the property line. Mr. Robinson stated that the barn would be placed on top of where the former pool was and that it would be no closer to the property lines than the pool was previously. Mr. Wright stated it is an interior lot, and he pointed out which property line is considered the front yard and which is considered a side yard and that the location of the barn would comply with the side yard setback requirement for accessory structures.
A discussion followed regarding the need for notifying neighboring property owners of the proposed structure. Mr. Robinson understands that he must notify all property owners within 250 feet of his property of the conditional use application and the April 7, 2025 hearing. He also understands that proof of notification will need to be provided at the time of hearing. Ms. McLean informed the applicant of the section in the Zoning Ordinance for conditional uses and the items he should be prepared to address at the hearing before the Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Motel questioned the nature of the conditional use required. Mr. Wright explained that the Zoning Ordinance permits accessory buildings to be no more than 50% of the square footage of the principal structure. To exceed that maximum square footage, an applicant must seek a conditional use. Mr. Motel further questioned how much the applicant exceeds the permitted 50%. Mr. Wright stated that the existing house is 3,170 square feet and the proposed barn is 2,400 square feet. Mr. Robinson stated that they explored making the barn smaller, but it would not make sense for them as they need the additional space and a smaller barn would not cover the concrete area they intend to build on.
Mr. Churchill questioned the proposed height of the barn. Mr. Wright stated that the maximum permitted is 35 feet. He further questioned the need for a second floor. Mr. Robinson stated they need the 2nd floor mezzanine level to fit their 50+ pinball machines. Mr. Churchill further questioned whether there was stormwater management for the previous pool or whether that would need to be looked at again. Mr. Wright stated he would look at this during the permit process.
Mr. Richter moved to recommend approval of conditional use and Mr. von Hoyer seconded. Mr. Walker called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Green-Marks Amended Final Plan
Gregg Adelman, Esq. and Kathy Marks were present to discuss the amended final plan for the Green Marks minor subdivision at 4219 Howell Road. Mr. Adelman provided a history of the application and the legal process that has now led to a settlement agreement between the applicants and the neighboring property owners. As a result of that agreement, the plan has been amended to a 2-lot subdivision, but the remaining portions of the originally approved plan have remained relatively the same. The remaining 2 homes are in the same location and the third lot towards the front of the property has been removed. With the elimination of the third lot, the road has been narrowed to 12 feet throughout. The stormwater management has been changed to make the basins next to the 2 homes smaller and the facilities towards the front of the lot to be larger. In addition, the reforestation plan has been expanded to include the area where the proposed third home was to be located. He further stated that they are will comply with all of the minor comments in Dan Wright’s and Tom Comitta’s review letters.
A discussion followed regarding the reforestation plan and the size of the plantings and the tree protection for the plantings. Mr. Adelman showed the Commission the details for the trees and the tree protection on the plans. There was further discussion regarding saplings vs. seedlings. Mr. Adelman stated that the plans so the size of the plantings being 12-18 inches and spaced 8 feet apart.
Mr. Westhafer questioned whether there is a limit on future subdivision. Mr. Adelman stated that the settlement agreement prohibits further subdivision of the property.
Ms. Jill Green, 4221 Howell Road, questioned the placement of the trees along the driveway and the canopy of the tree affecting vehicles entering her property. Mr. Adelman stated that the trees along the driveway will be Pin Oak trees that when maintained properly will be high enough off the ground to not affect vehicles driving onto her property. She further questioned who monitors the construction and Mr. Wright stated that his office will monitor the construction and that Mr. Comitta’s office will monitor the reforestation.
Mr. Richter moved to recommend approval of the amended final plan and Mr. Churchill seconded. Mr. Walker called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
General Planning Items
- Brief review of addition to proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance to provide a maximum square footage to the dwelling
Mr. Heleniak gave the Commission a brief update on the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance that they previously recommended for approval. The Board of Supervisors reviewed the proposed ordinance at their previous meeting and they made one small change regarding the maximum size of an ADU. They have put a maximum size cap of 2,000 square feet into the ordinance. Ms. McLean questioned whether the amended ordinance had been reviewed by the County Planning Commission and Mr. Heleniak stated that it was sent to them for review, but we have not received the review back from them yet.
Administrative Note
Any documents referred to in the minutes are available to the public upon request at the Township office.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Walker adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. The next meeting will be held on April 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building, 11 General Warren Blvd, Malvern, PA.
Chris Heleniak
Township Manager/Secretary
