The New Rochelle Zoning Board of Appeals approved area variances to legalize a first-floor addition, finish an existing basement and retain multiple nonconforming site elements at 42 Chauncey Avenue.

Architect Cynthia Sorriacanteros told the board the applicant removed approximately 423.9 square feet of concrete paving on the northeast side of the lot, reducing impervious surface from 1,993 square feet to about 1,569.81 square feet (about 72% coverage). She also said a parking space was moved closer to the rear of the house, changing the front-yard setback for that space from 9.25 feet to 11.83 feet.

Chair Erica Azner moved to grant area-variance relief after the board discussed the statutory balancing test factors. The motion, which the board read into the record, said the proposed floor-area ratio, building coverage, impervious-surface coverage, parking-space setbacks and driveway setbacks exceed zoning limits in the R2-70 zone but that the lot’s small size and long-standing preexisting conditions weighed in favor of approval. Board members and staff cited aerial imagery showing the driveway and other paving predated the current owners by many years.

No speakers opposed the application; the board received letters from neighbors in support. The motion passed by roll call vote; the five members present voted yes.

The approval legalizes the existing conditioned elements described at the hearing; the record notes the applicant had previously adjourned to revise plans and reduce the most significant impervious-surface variance before returning to the board.

Board members noted that while many of the variances are substantial numerically, the site’s constrained size and the public benefit of reducing on-street parking supported granting relief.