Dobbs Ferry zoning board approves rear addition at 8 Park Hill Terrace requiring small side-yard variance

The Dobbs Ferry Zoning Board of Appeals voted at its March meeting to approve an application to build a rear bedroom addition at 8 Park Hill Terrace that requires a 2-foot-11-inch variance from the 12-foot side-yard setback.

The applicant, who identified themself as the owner and architect for the project, told the board the change is "a relatively small addition" and showed photos and plans placing the new work at the rear-right corner of the house, behind an existing deck. The presenter said the plan would align with an existing nonconforming side of the building and that the existing side-yard at that point measures about 9.02 feet. "A continuation of an existing nonconformity at the rear of the house where it's not visible to anyone is one of the easier applications we usually have," the applicant/architect said.

During the presentation the applicant said a dogwood tree would have to be removed to accommodate the extension and that nearby neighbors who responded were "mostly encouraging." The applicant described minor adjustments to the deck and stairs to make room for the new bedroom and said the addition would stop at the rear-yard setback.

After the presentation a board member moved to close the hearing; another member seconded. The board then moved to approve the applicant's request "as presented." The approval was taken by voice vote; the transcript records the chair asking "All in favor?" and an affirmative response but does not include a roll-call or numeric tally. The chair congratulated the applicant and closed the meeting.

The board record in the transcript does not specify numeric vote tallies, any conditions attached to the approval, or any written findings beyond the motion to approve. The chair closed the monthly meeting and said the board would likely reconvene next month.