The Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals approved VAR-25-10, a maximum impervious-cover variance for two parcels totaling approximately 4.79 acres at 630 East Empire Mill Road in Perry Township, by a unanimous 4-0 vote.

Planning staff presented that the site already contained substantial impervious area (an existing house, a large asphalt area, driveway and a shed) and that the new development would push the total impervious surface above the CDO’s 20,000-square-foot maximum (the ordinance limits impervious cover to 20,000 sq ft or 20% of lot area, whichever is less). Staff noted an alternate layout could reduce driveway length by roughly 2,500 square feet but would not bring the property under the 20,000-square-foot cap without larger changes. The septic location and other site constraints limit options for relocating the proposed primary residence closer to existing structures.

The petitioner’s representative described personal reasons for expediting the project and said family needs — including caring for an injured relative — motivated the application. No public opposition was recorded.

Staff ultimately recommended approval because the proposal met the county’s design-standard criteria and any additional impervious surface beyond the certified plot plan would require future variance approval or removal of existing impervious area to achieve no net gain.

Board members voted to approve VAR-25-10; the roll call shows Margaret Clements, Guy Loughman, Jeff Morris and Pamela Davidson voting yes. The approval allows the petitioners to proceed with the submitted plot plan and building permit work described in their application, subject to usual permitting and any necessary future variances if additional impervious cover is proposed.