Highlands board grants variance for expanded front deck at bungalow-colony property

The Highlands Borough Land Use Board granted a variance request (AUB25-03) to allow construction of an expanded front deck on a previously approved house in the borough’s bungalow‑colony zone.

Architect John Stazzi testified for the applicants, identifying himself to the board and describing the revision as an expansion of an existing wood deck to improve the front‑terrace function and alignment with neighbors. Stazzi presented new drawings and dimensions (discussion referenced a deck footprint roughly 9 feet by 17 feet) and explained that although the house location shifted slightly from a prior submittal, the proposed work largely complies with required setbacks except where expansion of the deck triggers the need for variance relief.

Board members and the zoning officer discussed the ordinance’s two paths for decks — restoration to a prior surveyed location or matching adjacent properties if no survey exists. The board heard that a prior survey existed but that the enlarged deck nonetheless required relief. Members asked questions about the change in house position and the projection of the deck toward the roadway; the architect said the projection remains within allowances typical for bungalow‑colony lots.

After discussion the board moved to grant the standalone variance to permit the deck modification. Roll-call votes in the transcript show Mayor Bulan, Mr. Montavo, Mr. Sia, Mr. Zil, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Cody, Miss Vickery, Vice Chair Tierney and Chair Knox voting yes.

The board closed the case by wishing the applicants luck; the minutes record no additional conditions attached to the variance beyond the usual post‑approval plan compliance steps.