Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Grants Variance for Attic Access Amid Safety Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
During the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board meeting on July 8, 2026, a key decision revolved around granting a variance for attic access on Madison Avenue. The applicant, Rakkesh Jani, successfully argued for the replacement of a previously required pull-down staircase with permanent walk-up stairs, citing safety concerns due to his size and mobility limitations. Jani emphasized that the attic would remain solely for storage, with no intention of converting it into living space, addressing board members’ concerns about future use implications. The board unanimously agreed to remove the condition mandating pull-down stairs, acknowledging the safety and accessibility improvements provided by the new staircase design.
The meeting also featured discussions on various other applications. One significant topic was the proposal for a property on Califon Road, which involved extending a split-level home by seven feet and converting the attic into additional living space. The applicant faced inquiries regarding the stormwater drainage plan, which had been developed in cooperation with the municipal engineering department. The plan included adjustments to the side deck and the relocation of stairs to accommodate the home’s expansion. Despite initial confusion about the proposed changes, the board was satisfied with the applicant’s clarifications, leading to a recommendation for approval. A clause was suggested to address a driveway encroachment issue.
Another discussion focused on a property on James Street, where the applicant sought a variance for a front yard setback due to the property being a corner lot. The proposed addition would reduce the setback along Fairview Place, necessitating the variance. Additionally, the board addressed the legalization of an existing shed within the front yard setback, which had been in place for over ten years. The board decided to incorporate the shed’s variance into the current application, allowing for a review. The application was recommended for approval, with no objections from the public.
The board also considered an application from Craig Toron, concerning existing non-conformities on his property, including the location of a swimming pool and impervious lot coverage. Toron proposed reducing impervious coverage by replacing a concrete deck with pavers and adding yard drains to alleviate drainage issues. The board agreed to grant a variance to legalize the swimming pool, which was slightly closer to the property line than allowed. The decision came after acknowledging the negligible impact of the adjustments.
A complex case emerged with the application for David and Tess Lewis on Battle Ridge Road, involving the legalization of existing improvements. The board deliberated on the historical presence of these improvements and the lack of documentation confirming their inclusion in the original building permit. Despite the attorney’s argument that the improvements were part of the initial construction, the board expressed caution and continued to evaluate the case, considering potential conflicts of interest and the implications of undocumented improvements.
James R. Barberio
Zoning Board Officials:
Davey Willans, Sridath B. Reddy, Chris Mazarella, Dave Kaplan, Scott Joskowitz, Robert Iracane, Bernard J. Berkowitz, Loretta Gragnani (Alt. No. 1), Santosh Peddi (Alt. No. 2), John Chadwick (Planner), Chas Holloway (Engineer), Peter King (Attorney), Nora O. Jolie (Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/08/2026
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Recording Published:
07/10/2026
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Duration:
149 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Parsippany-Troy Hills
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