Bernards Township zoning board approves pergola and lot-coverage relief for Coyle property

The Bernards Township (Basking Ridge) Zoning Board of Adjustment voted Feb. 4 to grant homeowner Robert and Julie Coyle relief to legalize a motorized pergola and existing nonconforming site features while capping impervious coverage at 19.9%.

Board counsel summarized the request and recommended conditions before the motion passed. "I'm inclined to grant the application based on the information before us," Mr. Soasi said, noting the applicants had inherited some nonconforming elements and that the board should balance neighbor impacts with the small scale of the relief.

Why it matters: The vote allows the Coyles to proceed with a pergola attached to the house while regularizing an undersized setback for an existing shed and a driveway encroachment. The board stressed expectations for modest stormwater mitigation and required that the final as-built documentation reflect the grant.

Details of the relief granted - Side-yard setback (existing shed): approved at 4.5 feet (requested). - Driveway setback: approved at 0.9 feet (existing condition). - Lot coverage: approved up to 19.9% (the board set a precise cap to avoid future expansion without returning for relief).

The motion to deem the application complete and to direct staff to memorialize a resolution granting the relief was moved by Miss Herrera, seconded by Miss Trap, and carried with the attending members voting in favor: Miss Layman, Mr. Leazinski, Mr. Lindamman, Miss Pear, Miss Silver, Miss Trap and Chairwoman Bowman.

What the board asked of the applicants: Board members recommended modest stormwater mitigation (the board discussed use of a rain barrel or similar approach), and the board asked staff to attach standard conditions protecting existing trees and requiring final as-built verification of impervious areas. The board attorney and staff will draft and circulate the memorializing resolution to the applicant prior to filing.