Belmar Zoning Board Approves Residential Construction Plans Amid Variances
- Meeting Overview:
The recent meeting of the Belmar Zoning Board was marked by the approval of several residential construction applications, despite the necessity for variances relating to building coverage, setbacks, and parking. The board granted permissions for projects that included the rebuilding of properties damaged or destroyed, and the addition of new structures, highlighting the continued development and change in the local architectural landscape.
One of the discussions involved a proposal to build a new home for the KY family on a property that previously housed a damaged and destroyed house. The proposed home, to be situated on the northeast corner of Surf and 18th, would remain alongside the existing bungalow at the corner. The board considered two variances for this project: one for having two structures on one lot and another for the rear setback. The new home, designed with two and a half stories over a basement, would also feature a deck at the back with ocean views. The board acknowledged the aim to reduce nonconformities such as impervious coverage and onsite parking, with improvements over the pre-fire conditions.
Another notable application discussed was from S Co Property Management for an addition to the first floor of an existing single-family home on Road. The board reviewed the application, including development documents and aerial photographs, and there was a conversation about the lot coverage and building coverage variances needed due to the existing driveway and garage space.
The board also examined a proposal for a new construction project that required an engineering review of the site plan, parking, stormwater drainage, and compliance with municipal requirements. The engineer and planner for the project assured the board of the plan’s compliance with municipal requirements for stormwater and parking. Concerns were raised by a public commenter about overbuilding in the town and the impact on the neighborhood’s character. The applicant clarified that the third story was necessary to accommodate the roof design suitable for solar panels and to meet the height requirements in a flood zone.
Public engagement at the meeting was substantial, with a member of the public voicing concern over the town’s overbuilding and another supporting the reconstruction of a home owned by a family for over four decades. Issues with notification timing were brought up, but the board emphasized the importance of addressing such concerns at the beginning of the application process.
In another application, the board approved the construction of a new structure on 1051 15th Avenue. The zoning officer confirmed the sufficiency of the notice and the board reviewed the application documents, including a development application and an application checklist.
The meeting also featured a presentation by a licensed architect on behalf of homeowners at 1055th Avenue, who sought to expand their home. The board raised concerns about the increase in building coverage, impervious coverage, and potential privacy issues due to the multiple decks proposed. The architect explained that the existing first-floor walls would be retained, but the foundation would be replaced, and the home brought up to code.
A discussion about another neighbor’s situation involved the necessity of retaining existing property footprints or setbacks. The board deliberated on variances related to setbacks and the potential impact on neighboring properties, as well as the need to adhere to fire code regulations due to proposed property changes.
Additionally, the board addressed a resolution dismissing an application without prejudice, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in future applications after noting misrepresentations made during a previous application.
Gerald Buccafusco
Zoning Board Officials:
Kevin Kennedy, April Claudio
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/25/2024
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Recording Published:
07/26/2024
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Duration:
233 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Belmar, Lake Como
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