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Board clears corner‑lot deck after applicants agree to remove shed and add screening
Summary
Anu and Mr. Chhataraj received approval to extend an open deck on their corner lot after agreeing to remove an unpermitted shed and decorative gravel and to install native screening between the new deck and the adjacent property. The board conditioned the approval on planting, stormwater best practices and keeping the deck open.
The Bernards Township Zoning Board approved a rear open‑deck extension for Anu and Mr. Chhataraj, who sought a rear/side setback variance on a corner lot and a small lot‑coverage variance.
The applicants explained that their corner lot along Lions and Wharton Way has two frontages and previously received approvals in 2016. The current request would extend a 551‑square‑foot open deck behind the kitchen, producing a proposed lot coverage of 15.13% (where 15% is permitted) unless the applicants removed certain decorative gravel areas and a small non‑permanent shed. The Chhatarajs agreed on the record to remove the shed (about 47 sq ft) and the decorative gravel noted in memos, which bring coverage nearly into compliance.
Planner and board memos recommended additional native plant screening between the proposed deck and the neighboring lot and asked the applicants to show the existing stone/gravel areas on the plan so the inspector can confirm removal. The applicants pledged to add screening plants and comply with the environmental commission and township engineer guidance regarding stormwater best-management practices and tree protection during construction.
Conditions included: removal of the small shed and specified gravel areas before permits, the deck remain open (no roof enclosure), planting of native screening along the shared property line subject to engineer review, and adherence to standard erosion‑control and stormwater practices during construction. With those stipulations in place, the board voted to approve the application.
The board noted that if the applicants later exceed the permitted coverage, they must return to request additional relief.
