Cape May Zoning Board Grapples with Zoning Ordinance Interpretations and Approves New Development Applications

Overview: The Cape May Zoning Board meeting was dominated by discussions around the interpretation of zoning ordinances, especially concerning the front and rear yard designations for properties with unique layouts. A particularly issue was the appeal involving setback requirements for a shed on a lot with dual frontage on Perry and Chestnut streets. The board also approved a variance for a second-floor addition’s roof pitch and granted a two-year extension for the project due to supply delays. Additionally, the board reviewed a variance application for a new development on Pittsburgh Avenue, addressing compliance with zoning requirements, stormwater mitigation, and parking regulations.

Berkeley Heights Zoning Board Addresses Community Garden, Flood Commission, and LS Property Conservation

Overview: The Berkeley Heights Zoning Board’s meeting on January 22nd addressed several issues, including the community garden project, a presentation by the Green Brook Flood Commission, and conservation efforts for the LS property. The board also discussed the approval of minutes, the stormwater ordinance, Sustainable Jersey grants, and plans for outreach to schools.

Union Zoning Board Delays Decision on Amanda Jennifer LLC Project

Overview: The Union Zoning Board of Adjustment’s recent meeting saw the postponement of a significant case involving Amanda Jennifer LLC, which seeks to add a second-floor extension with three one-bedroom apartments on Raritan Road. The delay was granted due to a last-minute family emergency affecting the applicant, with the hearing rescheduled for February 28th. The board also adopted its 2023 annual report, detailing the past year’s activities and zoning changes, including the new non-permitted status for warehousing and various land use issues the township may address in the future.

Cape Canaveral Confronts Affordable Housing Act Challenges

Overview: In a recent Cape Canaveral Planning and Zoning Board meeting, the implications of the Live Local Act on local zoning authority were scrutinized, revealing concerns about the city’s ability to regulate affordable housing projects. The board analyzed the Act’s provision that enables bonus density for affordable housing projects without requiring public hearing approvals, thereby removing the local government’s governing body from the approval process. Notably, the Act allows for administrative approval, sidestepping public notice requirements, even if the location is zoned for industrial or commercial use.

Princeton Zoning Board Approves Variances for Residential Renovations and Deck Construction

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Princeton Zoning Board approved two applications that involved variance requests for residential property renovations. The first application, which garnered much attention, was for a variance to construct a deck on Lee Avenue, located within the historic Witherspoon Jackson district. The second application approved was for property renovations on Mount Lucas Road, aimed at modernizing the home while accommodating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for the applicant’s mother.