Three expansion projects will go forward, following three zoning variances granted by the Clark Township Zoning Board of Appeals Tuesday, April 27, for proposed accessory buildings on properties in Clark Township. Under proposed changes to the zoning ordinance, cases involving size variances for accessory buildings may soon be decided by the zoning administrator instead of the board.

Jonas and Katie Carpenter want to add a 1,536-square-foot, twocar garage/pole barn to their property, a size that exceeds current zoning regulations by 336 square feet. Mr. Carpenter said he plans to store a sailboat in the building, in addition to storing vehicles. Part of the structure would also be used to house a workshop.

The Carpenters' current garage is being converted into living space to accommodate their expanding family. This variance was approved, since there was no objection from neighbors and it was not judged to affect the character of the neighborhood.

“Our house is closer to the road than this building would be,” Mr. Carpenter said.

E. James Mertaugh wants to add three boat storage buildings to accommodate his growing classic and antique boat restoration business. Each building would be 60 feet by 120 feet with a lean-to area on each, for a total of 7,200 square feet, exceeding the maximum size allowed for an accessory building by 6,000 square feet.

This variance was granted on the grounds that it would not cause substantial impairment to the intent or purpose of the ordinance. It was also determined that the size and isolation of the property takes it out of public view.

Mr. Mertaugh's request to be approved for a 10-year building period was turned down, since there was no precedent for extending approvals for that period of time. He was, instead, approved to seek building permits on up to three buildings during the duration of a six-month zoning variance. Building permits specify that projects may last up to two years.

John and Mary Scherer want to remodel their garage to add additional living space, exceeding the allowable height of such a building by six feet. The proposed remodel would be 24 feet, while the ordinance specifies an 18-foot height. It would also exceed the allowable square footage by 208, as it would be 1,408 feet and the square footage of accessory buildings is not to exceed 1,200 square feet.

The Scherers said they did not want to add onto their house because, on one side, the proposed addition would go into the driveway while, on the other, it would go into a deck and hot tub.

This addition would be for day use as a recreation room and would feature no sleeping quarters. This variance was granted, as well, since it did not affect the character of the surrounding area.