Allendale land use board approves small house addition with conditions

The Allendale Land Use Board voted unanimously to approve a homeowner’s application for a one-story addition and an enlarged rear deck, the board announced after a brief public hearing.

The applicant presented photos and site measurements showing the proposed addition would sit behind the front façade and align with neighboring houses. The board said the submission and follow-up materials clarified outstanding questions about setbacks, landscaping and fencing.

Why it matters: The board imposed three conditions it said are necessary to protect neighbors: the applicant must ensure any new HVAC complies with setback and screening rules and will not be placed in the new side yard; the project must conform to the Van Clee engineering report and any final engineering review; and the addition must be constructed and maintained so it cannot be converted into separate dwelling units.

Board discussion was brief. A board member said the addition fits the neighborhood scale and lines up with existing houses across the street. After conditions were clarified, a motion to approve passed on the board’s roll call: Vice Chairwoman Bergen, Board members Walo (recorded as present during roll call), Petrino, Dallow, Chairman Crico and Butler recorded support.

The applicant was told to prepare resolution and condition language for the next meeting; board staff will memorialize the approved conditions in writing and review final plans post-approval.

The hearing then moved to larger, separate applications on the agenda.