Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board: Attic Door Oversight Spurs Revisions; Shed and Soil Movement Permits Stir Debate
- Meeting Overview:
In the latest Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board meeting, discussions were dominated by an oversight in attic plans requiring revisions, a contentious shed application intertwined with soil movement issues, and several variance approvals for residential expansions.
03:13The most notable issue arose during the review of a proposal for a walk-up attic. The applicant emphasized that the attic would remain unfinished, featuring only basic lighting and sockets. The applicant noted a logistical challenge with using a pull-up attic for storage, stating the need for a solid door to maintain thermal efficiency. However, a board member identified a critical oversight: the plan submitted lacked any indication of a door, raising questions of compliance with building codes. The applicant acknowledged the error, explaining, “It’s a mistake in the plan. Door should be there,” and committed to revising the plans to include the necessary door. The board underscored the importance of this correction, ultimately approving the application contingent on the revised plan submission.
Equally significant was the debate surrounding an application from residents on Pit Road, who sought variances to construct a shed. The application faced scrutiny due to prior soil movement conducted without the required permits. The applicants admitted they were unaware of the need for a major soil movement permit during their home improvement project in 2023. They expressed willingness to rectify this by obtaining both a major permit for past work and a minor one for the current project. A nearby property owner voiced concerns over the raised yard levels resulting from the excavation, which could lead to privacy issues. The board stressed the necessity of securing the proper permits before proceeding, emphasizing that the shed application could be addressed independently if the soil movement permits were secured.
27:38In a related discussion, the board addressed the height of a proposed retaining wall on the same property, which would necessitate a variance if exceeding three feet. The applicant agreed to modify the wall height to avoid additional approvals. Despite this concession, the board decided to delay any decision on the shed application until a complete plan, encompassing the retaining wall and soil movement permits, was submitted for review. The board requested the application be carried over to a future meeting in August, allowing time for the applicants to gather the necessary documentation.
29:07The meeting also saw the approval of several other applications, reflecting the board’s supportive stance on local development, provided that compliance with zoning regulations was maintained. One approved application involved a variance for a one-story and a second-story addition, where the board found the request minimal and not adversely impacting the surrounding area. The applicant, Diane Hong, aimed to add a full bathroom on the first floor and make aesthetic improvements. The board granted the variance, noting that a minor soil movement permit would suffice without further board approval.
33:15Another approved application was from Robin and Joe Carlson seeking a variance to construct an inground pool with coping, a patio, and pool equipment. The board examined the request for increased lot coverage, which exceeded the permissible limit. The applicants assured the board of incorporating a stormwater management system to mitigate runoff, and the board was satisfied with the proposal, particularly noting the classification of the pool as a non-impervious surface. The application passed with affirmative votes, and the applicants were informed about obtaining the necessary permits.
39:05An additional application involved Gregory and Allison Sopko, who requested a variance to build an open deck with stairs, considered impervious under township regulations. The board supported the application, acknowledging its minimal impact, and approved it unanimously after a brief discussion on its merits.
53:36The meeting concluded with the discussion of a two-story addition requested by Jes Patel for his property on Allentown Road. Patel cited the need for more space due to family changes as the reason for his application. The design included expanding the garage, adding living space, and renovating the existing structure. The board addressed the increase in building and yard coverage. The application was approved, with board members extending well wishes to the Patel family.
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:
05/21/2025
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Recording Published:
05/23/2025
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Duration:
66 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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