UPPER FREEHOLD: Committee discusses impervious coverage

UPPER FREEHOLD Buyers of houses on smaller lots are discovering that township ordinances dont allow them to install a pool or decks, as such construction exceeds the amount of permissible impervious coverage.

To address the matter, at the Dec. 5 Township Committee meeting, the governing body discussed raising the amount of maximum impervious coverage on one-acre lots from 14 to 18 percent.

Township Engineer Glenn Gerken sent the committee a letter recommending that building coverage for such lots rise from 9 to 10 percent, along with the aforementioned increase to 18 percent for impervious coverage.

I have checked other townships ordinances and find that building coverage is very similar and impervious coverage in the (Upper Freehold) ordinances may be a little less than other townships, according to the letter.

Residents whose planned projects might exceed the impervious coverage limits can apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a variance.

Picking percentages is more of an art than a science, Mr. Collins said, adding that such percentages could be tweaked in the future.

Committeeman Bob Faber noted that newer houses tend to have three-car garages on the side, requiring a larger driveway and impervious coverage to back out, compared to older houses with front-entry garages.

Committeeman Robert Frascella said that once someone covers their land with additional impervious coverage, your neighbors have your water problem.

Mr. Frascella noted that in his own neighborhood, The Woods at Cream Ridge, many residents couldnt put a pool in their backyards because of conservation easements.

They chose to buy property that cant accommodate that much, he said.

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UPPER FREEHOLD: Committee discusses impervious coverage