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Board approves variances for second‑story rebuild on undersized lot in Bernards Township
Summary
The board granted Shu Yan and Way Lee multiple variances to demolish most of an existing 1960s single‑story house and build a larger two‑story home; relief included lot‑area and modified front‑yard setback for porch steps, with standard engineering and steep‑slope protections.
The Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment voted Oct. 8 to grant relief enabling Shu Yan and Way Lee to remove much of an existing one‑story house (built in the 1960s) and construct a new two‑story residence. The board approved variances for an undersized lot (the property measures roughly 9,549 sq ft versus the 10,000 sq ft minimum), reduced lot width and a modified front‑yard setback (the porch steps will be permitted at 71.3 ft versus the 75 ft ordinance requirement).
The applicants told the board they purchased the property in 2016 and previously received a 2017 approval that expired; they said family needs and growth prompted this updated proposal. Board professionals reviewed the submission and raised standard items: clarify limit‑of‑disturbance boundaries, expand the work area slightly to allow safe construction access while avoiding >25% steep slopes, correct a handful of coverage table entries, and confirm building‑height calculations. The applicants agreed to reduce an oversized rear deck, provide tree protection and use native plantings to stabilize disturbed areas.
Planner and engineering memos noted some numeric discrepancies in proposed coverage tables and drive/patio calculations; the applicants and design team agreed to reconcile those with the township engineer before final permits are issued. The board concluded that the site’s steep slopes and the house’s existing location create practical difficulties and granted relief on C1 grounds (and referenced C2 as appropriate), subject to the conditions in the professional reports and final engineering review. The board attorney will draft the memorializing resolution.
Next steps: applicants will revise the limit‑of‑disturbance and coverage calculations, provide required erosion‑control documentation and coordinate with the township engineering department for permit clearance.
