Board approves dormers and deck for historic Ross home after removing non-permitted patio

Brad and Danielle Ross received Zoning Board approval to renovate their historic house in the R-6 zone, adding dormers and a covered rear deck while removing a non-permitted patio to reduce impervious coverage.

The applicant, Brad Ross, testified the house dates to about 1938 and that the proposed dormers and interior adjustments are designed to retain the home’s character while improving headroom and usability on the second floor. Architect Daniel Enson said the work would not increase the house’s existing pre‑existing nonconforming setbacks. The plan calls for removal of a brick patio that was built without permits; removing it brings the measured coverage closer to the legally grandfathered pre-existing coverage level.

"Removing the patio gets it back down to where it should be," Enson said, describing how the existing paved area at the lower grade will remain usable but that the design reduces overall coverage from the observed 42.2% down toward an ordinance-based legal pre-existing figure.

The board reviewed memos from the township engineer and the environmental commission and added conditions requiring standard stormwater protections during construction, compliance with the township’s flood‑damage prevention rules, and best efforts to recycle or repurpose material removed during demolition. A neighbor urged care for hazardous materials and potential reusable architectural items from the older house; the applicant agreed to take appropriate precautions.

Board members found the application met C1/C2 standards given the lot’s undersized configuration and the limited nature of the work and voted to approve the application with conditions. The board instructed the applicant to show the final plans and comply with the town engineer’s review before permits issue.