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Zoning board grants side‑yard setback variances for renovation at 60 Lenox Avenue
Summary
The board approved variances allowing the expansion and renovation of a one‑and‑one‑half‑story home at 60 Lenox Avenue in the R‑4 zone, keeping existing nonconforming side setbacks and adding conditions that limit future dormer/window work on the side closest to a neighbor.
The Pompton Lakes Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances on Tuesday for an expansion at 60 Lenox Avenue that will enclose an existing porch and expand an attached garage while retaining existing nonconforming side-yard setbacks.
Nicole DeSimone, attorney for Warwick Private Resort LLC, presented the application. She said the lot, Block 7000 Lot 12, measures 9,072 square feet in the borough’s R-4 zone and that the proposal would not change the existing nonconforming side setbacks but would expand interior floor area to modernize the home.
Sean Marsh (recorded as Marshan in the minutes), a licensed architect testifying for the applicant, said the project would convert an enclosed porch to interior living space and expand the garage footprint to a 24-by-24 two‑car garage while maintaining the house’s current side setbacks. Marsh described the work as maintaining the existing roofline and massing so that the addition “is in harmony with the surrounding neighbors.”
The applicant requested C (c) variances for a principal building side‑yard setback of 2.77 feet where 10 feet is required, and an accessory building side‑yard setback of 2.87 feet where 10 feet is required. The board and consultants confirmed the proposal does not enlarge the nonconformity.
Board members asked about drainage, attic access, and whether changes to the upper structure could create new impacts on the close‑side neighbor. The owners, Robert Schlueter and Rosemarie Curtis, testified the attic is currently an unfinished, stand‑up space used for storage and that they have no plan to raise the ridge line. The applicant and the board agreed as a condition of approval that no dormers will be added on the side of the house that sits 2.77 feet from the property line. The code enforcement officer’s requirements for a one‑hour rated wall on the close side were also referenced for fire‑safety compliance.
A motion to approve the variance, including the dormer restriction, passed by roll call with all members present voting yes. The board directed staff to prepare a resolution reflecting the condition that dormers or similar window additions not be added to the close side of the home without further board review.
