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Board grants coverage variance for attic conversion at Ellis Drive home
Summary
Eric Schaefer received board approval to retain existing impervious coverage while converting attic space to bedrooms; the board required corrected plan labels, revised lot‑coverage calculations and standard lighting/tree protections.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a coverage variance Oct. 8 for Eric Schaefer of 41 Ellis Drive, allowing him to continue with a second‑floor conversion without removing existing walkways and driveway elements that put the property over the zoning lot‑coverage maximum.
Schaefer said he purchased the house in 2022 and inherited a preexisting, nonconforming impervious condition created by prior owners who enlarged the driveway and added walkways and patios without permits. He told the board he will not change the property footprint; the work is limited to converting attic space into living area and relocating utilities inside the existing shell.
Board planner and engineer memos reviewed aerial evidence of the unpermitted additions and recommended plan revisions. Schaefer agreed to amend his application to include an existing air‑conditioning pad in the coverage calculation (raising the filing to about 19.59% total lot coverage), remove enclosing lattice under a deck and correct a shaded planting area on the plan so it is not treated as impervious surface.
After deliberation the board granted the lot‑coverage relief on C1/C2 grounds, subject to the conditions stipulated in the planners’ and engineers’ reports and the architect’s revised coverage table. The board attorney will prepare a memorializing resolution for the record.
Next steps: the applicant will submit corrected plan sheets and the updated coverage calculations to the township for final review and permit processing.
