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Zoning board permits second driveway for two-family at 28–30 Humbert Street
Summary
The board granted a c.2 variance allowing two curb cuts and driveways for a conforming two-family building at 28–30 Humbert Street, finding the design would provide more off-street parking and better circulation than the single-driveway alternative.
The Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted April 23 to grant a c.2 variance permitting two driveways for a two-family building under construction at 28–30 Humbert Street (Block 2501, Lot 61) in the R-4B zone.
The applicant proposed two narrow driveways — roughly 8 to 9 feet wide — leading to separate one-car detached garages at the rear of the lot. Engineer Lawrence (Larry) Murphy testified the plan would provide up to five off-street parking spaces on site, improve vehicular maneuverability and preserve contiguous backyard space for residents. Murphy said the lot is larger than many on the block — about 9,437 square feet — and that permitting a second curb cut would not remove on-street parking because parking is not permitted on the west side of Humbert Street.
Board staff cited section 17 a 4 0 3 I 1 a (the neighborhood-character provision limiting curb cuts) as the municipal rule requiring relief for a second driveway. Attorney Ryan Kennedy and engineer Murphy argued the two-driveway plan better meets zoning purposes — reducing on-street demand, providing usable rear-yard open space and improving vehicle circulation — than the single-driveway alternative, which would split and cross the rear yard and limit usable open space.
No members of the public opposing the application addressed the board; one nearby homeowner who reviewed the plan during the meeting said he supported it. After deliberation the board approved a motion to grant the c.2 variance for the second driveway. The vote, recorded by roll call, was: Miss Colson (yes); Mister Floyd (yes); Mister Stein (yes); Miss Dobkin (yes); Sir McCowan (yes).
The board’s decision notes the proposal conforms to bulk requirements and remains within allowable impervious coverage; the approval is limited to allowing two curb cuts and driveways for the two-family building under construction.
