Montclair Zoning Board Weighs Historical Sign, ADU Height, and Parking Concerns

The recent Montclair Town Zoning Board meeting primarily addressed two applications: a variance for a historic marker at the Montclair History Center and a proposal to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on Orange Road.

06:32The most prominent topic was the Montclair History Center’s application for a variance to install a post-mounted historic marker on Orange Road. This sign is intended to commemorate the Crane House and Historic YWCA museum, pivotal institutions in Montclair’s African-American heritage. The proposed sign would exceed local ordinance limits with a height of 6.5 feet and a size of 8.5 square feet, compared to the permitted 6 feet and 2 square feet, respectively. The executive director of the Montclair History Center provided insight into the project’s community significance, emphasizing educational outreach to over 10,000 visitors annually and the sign’s role in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.

17:39Board members scrutinized the sign’s dimensions and its impact on visibility, particularly for pedestrians. Concerns were raised about the sign’s accessibility for children, prompting suggestions to adjust its installation height. The discussion also touched on the proposed sign’s materials, with confirmation that it would be crafted from white aluminum with black and gold trim. The board acknowledged the Historical Preservation Commission’s input on the sign’s location, debating whether to move it further from the sidewalk to improve safety and visibility.

01:27:14Meanwhile, the meeting also focused on the application for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on Orange Road, prompting extensive discussion on parking and compliance with zoning regulations. The ADU’s design, intended for potential family occupancy, includes a slab foundation and a mezzanine area, raising questions about its height and overall footprint. The board highlighted concerns regarding parking, as the ordinance requires five spaces: two for each of the primary units and one for the ADU. The applicant emphasized their intention to meet parking requirements while ensuring ADA compliance.

02:43:53The board also delved into the ADU’s design elements, particularly the entrance’s visibility from the street, which conflicted with ordinance stipulations. The need for clarity on the ADU’s dimensions and compliance with habitable space regulations was stressed, with the board requesting consolidated plans to address inconsistencies in the application.

43:54In addition to the ADU and historical marker discussions, the board reviewed a proposal for a property on Mount Vernon Road. This involved variances for a second-story addition and a portico, with concerns about how these changes might affect the neighborhood’s aesthetic and zoning compliance. A local resident voiced opposition, citing the proposed addition’s potential to disrupt the suburban character and reduce open space. The board deliberated over these concerns, with some members expressing support for the project’s design and scope, asserting that it fit within the neighborhood’s existing aesthetic.

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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