Belmar Zoning Board Revisits Cronin Application, Approves Pool House Proposal, and More

In a recent session, the Belmar Zoning Board undertook notable decisions including revisiting a prior approval for the Cronin application, evaluating a pool house proposal by the Croco family, and addressing multiple property applications, with an emphasis on compliance with zoning regulations and community standards.

0:14The Cronin application was revisited in a notable agenda item, which involved a sunroom addition to a single-family home. The initial approval faced scrutiny during the October 24th public hearing, resulting in discrepancies related to building and lot coverage calculations. Despite initial confirmations that no variance was needed, further review necessitated a re-approval with variances for both building and lot coverage. Conditions for approval included maintaining the property as a single-family residence, relocating a non-conforming shed, and securing necessary permits for artificial turf. The existing lot coverage was confirmed at 67.8%, and the resolution was adjusted to reflect these requirements.

17:25Another focal point of the meeting was the Croco family’s application to convert an existing garage structure into a pool house. This proposal, a subject of ongoing discussion since December 19, 2024, underwent substantial revisions aimed at compliance with local ordinances. The Crocos proposed to utilize the first floor of the garage as a functional pool house, eliminating the previously planned second-floor apartment. Architect Mary Hearn detailed the changes, emphasizing compliance with the pool house ordinance, which restricts the inclusion of heating, cooking, or living facilities. Variances were necessary due to existing setbacks and height restrictions, with the structure’s height noted at 21.2 feet, exceeding the 18-foot limit for newly constructed pool houses. The revised application focused solely on the first floor, proposing heating and cooling systems to enhance usability, with the second floor designated for storage. The board’s consideration of this proposal highlighted the balance between accommodating property enhancements and enforcing zoning regulations.

In another application, the board addressed a proposal for 103 12th Avenue, which was postponed due to improper notice. This procedural delay highlighted the importance of compliance with notice requirements.

51:28Further deliberations involved a property on 10th Avenue, where a swimming pool installation was proposed between two buildings. The project aimed to rectify several nonconformities, including inadequate parking and impervious coverage. The plan included a semi-pervious driveway to improve stormwater management and accommodate additional parking, addressing a community concern. The board discussed potential impacts on the neighborhood and emphasized the importance of adhering to municipal land use laws. Notably, the proposal required the abandonment of the property’s two-family use, aligning with zoning intentions to maintain neighborhood character.

0:14Discussions consistently underscored the importance of balancing property improvements with community standards and zoning laws.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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