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Zoning board approves accessory-dwelling conversion at Cherry Hill Road
Summary
The zoning board approved an application to convert part of a detached garage to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 353 Cherry Hill Road after the applicant revised plans to meet ADU floor‑area exemptions. The board granted remaining c‑variances for setbacks.
The Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted May 28 to approve an application to convert the upper story of a detached garage at 347 (sometimes referenced as 353) Cherry Hill Road into an accessory dwelling unit that the applicants said would serve as a family/guest unit.
The applicant presented revised plans that reduced the interior floor area of the structure by converting portions of the ground floor to exterior storage, a covered porch and a utility/laundry area, steps the applicant’s architect said would allow the structure to qualify as an ADU under local definitions and associated floor‑area exemptions. After board discussion and public testimony was closed, a motion to approve the application passed on a roll‑call vote.
Why it matters: The board’s approval allows the homeowners to occupy the upper level of the garage as a self‑contained unit while retaining the main house as a rental. The applicant explained the unit would mainly accommodate extended family and visiting relatives and that the plan preserves the existing masonry structure and minimizes demolition.
What the board discussed: Staff summarized that the application had originally requested d‑1 relief to allow a second principal dwelling on the lot, because the proposed unit exceeded size limits for an ADU. The applicant revised the design to incorporate allowed ADU exemptions — a 48‑square‑foot exterior bike shed, a 100‑square‑foot utility area and a covered porch — and said the revised floor area for the ADU portion falls within ADU FAR allowances. Board members pressed the applicant on whether the space counts as a dwelling (bedrooms/habitable rooms), parking and the potential for commercial short‑term rental; staff noted short‑term rentals are not currently permitted by code.
The applicant agreed to recordable restrictions and submit final exhibits to the clerk. The board’s motion to approve included the c‑(bulk) variances for the existing nonconforming side‑yard setback (the accessory structure sits approximately 8.2 feet from the property line where 15 feet is required) and a height‑to‑setback ratio variance tied to the building’s pre‑existing location.
Ending: The chair announced the approval on the record; the clerk advised the applicants to email final exhibits for the file. The applicants were instructed to submit hard or digital exhibits as requested by the clerk so the decision can be memorialized.
