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Zoning board approves garage roof replacement and 7.5-foot forward extension at 152 Sargent Ave with residential-use condition
Summary
The Clifton Zoning Board approved variances to repair and extend a detached garage at 152 Sargent Avenue, granting side- and rear-yard setback relief and a height variance while attaching a condition that the structure remain for residential use only; board members said the height was grandfathered under previously issued permits.
The Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 5 approved variances to repair and extend a detached garage serving 152 Sargent Avenue, allowing a 7.5-foot forward extension, relief for side- and rear-yard setbacks and a height of 17 feet where 14 feet is required.
The application was presented by Matthew Babich, owner, and Lisa Cohen, the project architect, who said the existing concrete-block garage — built in the 1930s and in deteriorating condition — would retain its three concrete-block side and rear walls while the front and roof were reconstructed to permit tandem parking for two vehicles and attic storage. Cohen said the garage will remain under the allowable detached-garage square footage and that permits for a prior design had been issued on May 1, 2024.
The board granted three variances: side-yard setback (existing walls at 2.2 feet where 5 feet is required), rear-yard setback (1.8 feet where 5 feet is required) and height (17 feet where 14 feet is required). Board staff member Miss Bocato told the panel that the earlier permits were issued under an older ordinance and that the height was grandfathered in, saying, “The permits were pulled. They were issued. We had no issue with the height at the time because it was based under the old ordinance.”
The board accepted a condition proposed at the hearing that the garage be restricted to residential use in perpetuity. Commissioner Fucas made the motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner O'Connor; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes. Supporters spoke in favor during public comment; resident Gary Perino described Babich’s business as “a gem for the city of Clifton.”
Why it matters: The decision allows the property owner to replace a deteriorated structure and add tandem parking while preserving staff records that showed prior permit approvals. The board attached a use restriction to limit the structure to residential purposes, addressing neighbors’ concerns about commercial conversion.
Additional details: Cohen said the attic would be used for personal storage and that the three existing concrete-block walls would remain. Babich confirmed the structure is associated with the residence at 152 Sargent Avenue and is not to be used for the auto-repair business on the same lot.
Board action and next steps: The motion to approve carried with a stipulation that the garage be used for residential storage and parking only. No further follow-up items were recorded in the hearing minutes.
