Possible foundation decay
Possible foundation decay
(OP)
I am hoping to build my first/last home at the end of May. I have already jumped through a lot of legal hoops and now I am at my last hoop before building. Here is the problem. My lot is a 'flag lot', our township requires a 50' setback from each line. At a 50' set back, our house would be sitting in a swale which leads to a natural spring/marshy area. (At a 27' set back there would not be any problem.) I am having to put together a presentation to present to the township variance/zoning board on Tuesday, May 9. Does anyone have any expert advise on what the swale will do to my foundation. I have to prove to them that my foundation would be damaged if I build in the swale. Thank you for any help!






RE: Possible foundation decay
I know this is an expensive solution so you also might consider regrading the building area to divert the swale around the house.
RE: Possible foundation decay
RE: Possible foundation decay
RE: Possible foundation decay
Your main thrust seem to be to convince the governing authority to allow you the smaller setback, thus allowing construction on an appropriate location on the property which avoids all of the pitfalls listed above. This is the KISS (keep it simple stupid) solution. Also the most practical and economic solution as well. To help convince the authority that a building shouldn't/couldn't be positioned over the swale, a geotechnical engineer can certainly help provide you with a letter report outlining the issues and concerns regarding drainage re-routing, foundation settling, etc.