20:42One of the meeting’s most discussions involved the proposed amendment to ordinances concerning non-conforming structures. The board focused on eliminating a problematic subsection that had caused confusion among applicants and zoning officials. This subsection often triggered unnecessary complications in the application process for residents seeking to add second stories to their homes without altering the existing footprint. The revised ordinance intends to streamline these processes by considering such additions as compliant proposals, provided they do not affect the existing footprint. This change is designed to reduce the legal burdens and costs for applicants, thereby enhancing efficiency within the borough. The board unanimously found the ordinance consistent with the land development code.

32:48Beyond ordinance revisions, the board reviewed several applications for residential property modifications, each involving discussions on compliance with existing zoning laws. One notable application concerned a second-story addition to a property on East Allendale Avenue. The applicant’s representative, a licensed planner, outlined the property’s pre-existing non-conformities, mainly related to side yard setbacks. The proposed addition complied with most ordinance requirements, except for the pre-existing setbacks, which sparked a nuanced discussion about the potential impacts on neighboring properties.

50:56Visual aids and photographs were presented to demonstrate the planned improvements, with the applicant emphasizing the need for modern upgrades to the outdated interior. The addition was designed to enhance energy efficiency and living conditions, while maintaining consistency with the character of surrounding homes. The board examined the positive and negative criteria of the proposed addition, ultimately supporting the project as a means to align the property with contemporary standards.

01:18:30Another discussion revolved around a proposed renovation on Elba Drive, where the applicants aimed to add a second floor and a rear bump-out to an existing ranch-style home. Given the narrow lot size and existing side yard setbacks, the design was adjusted to conform with current regulations. The board expressed concern over the front entrance’s height and visual impact, leading to suggestions for design modifications to reduce the structure’s massing. Public input was sought, with residents voicing concerns about drainage and the aesthetic impact on the neighborhood. The applicant acknowledged these concerns and proposed measures to improve drainage and address the residents’ feedback.

01:07:06Further discussions centered on a proposed front porch addition, where concerns about water runoff and aesthetic impacts were raised by residents. The applicant committed to collaborating with a civil engineer to ensure proper drainage management and proposed adjustments to the porch design to mitigate visual concerns. Residents highlighted potential drainage issues, prompting the board to emphasize the importance of addressing these aspects as part of the approval process.

02:24:42The board also deliberated on the proposed modifications for another residential structure, focusing on the dimensional changes and their documentation. A suggestion for conditional approval was made, pending the presentation of revised plans. The board agreed to review these plans at an upcoming meeting. The application was placed as the first item on the agenda for the next meeting.