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Zoning board approves vestibule and driveway variances for 66 Dempsey Ave
Summary
The Princeton Zoning Board granted C-1 variances allowing a larger front vestibule and an expanded driveway at 66 Dempsey Avenue despite some board concern about front-yard parking; the vote passed after discussion and a single neighbor voiced support.
The Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment on Nov. 12 approved C-1 variances that allow an expanded enclosed vestibule and a widened driveway at 66 Dempsey Avenue (R6T zone).
Town planning staff summarized the application, noting the prevailing front-yard setback is 50 feet and the existing house sits at approximately 31.8 feet. The applicant proposed a new enclosed vestibule that would place the front face at about 25.5 feet from the property line, and a driveway widening that would reduce the front-yard parking setback from the required 25 feet to about 15.58 feet and increase driveway width from the 22-foot maximum to about 23 feet. Staff said these are C-1 (hardship) variance requests and that the existing house was permitted for a rear addition in April 2025.
An applicant representative testified that the existing vestibule is improperly constructed, permitting water intrusion and creating tripping hazards and pest intrusion; "it is providing inadequate shelter from, weather conditions," the representative said, adding that on some occasions snakes have been found in the shoe area. The owners explained that the driveway currently forces stacked parking and that widening would allow two cars to park side-by-side and avoid street parking hazards in winter, a point echoed by neighbor Paul Raider: "Last winter, oftentimes they had to park on the street. That's dangerous when it's snowing."
Board members debated whether the driveway expansion would set an undesirable precedent because many homes manage with stacked-driveway layouts. Staff and the applicant noted that site geometry and prevailing-setback rules limit alternatives. After discussion a motion to grant the variances was made and seconded; the clerk called the roll and the board announced the motion passed.
The board approved the variances as presented; the file now reflects an approved C-1 variance for the vestibule encroachment and for the driveway expansion. The applicant and staff should follow typical permitting and building-permit steps before construction begins.
