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Bernards Township Zoning Board OKs two variances for West Oak Street homeowner
Summary
The Zoning Board approved two variances for Muhammad Ali Shadri to add a second‑floor projection and exceed lot coverage limits for his West Oak Street home, subject to engineering and environmental conditions; the board relied on updated surveys and architect testimony.
The Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment on Oct. 8 approved two bulk variances for Muhammad Ali Shadri, a longtime Basking Ridge resident, to allow a second‑floor projection and modest overage in lot coverage at 177 West Oak Street.
Shadri told the board he bought the house three years ago and is seeking the variances to make the home suitable for multi‑generational living. He said site constraints — a side‑entry driveway, an 8‑foot grade differential on the lot and existing nonconforming front projections — make it impractical to meet the 40‑foot front setback and 20% lot‑coverage limit without the adjustment. "I did some research...there are a number of homes that are non‑conforming because of when they were built," Shadri said during testimony.
Architect Fared Ismael, accepted as an expert, showed updated plans and two recent surveys (one dated Sept. 24, 2025) and explained that a 14‑inch overhang on the second floor would align the upper facade with existing first‑floor elements and simplify a future roof plane for possible solar shingles. Ismael said the applicant’s AutoCAD‑based coverage calculation shows the lot at about 21.04% coverage; he noted adding a 4x6‑foot generator pad would raise the figure by 24 sq ft (to approximately 21.16%). The applicant agreed to revise any figures and work with engineering to reconcile small discrepancies in the exhibit tables.
Board professionals verified notice and jurisdiction, reviewed engineered exhibits (marked A1–A3 for the record) and recommended standard conditions: maintain the deck as an open deck (not enclosed), shield exterior lighting to avoid glare, protect existing trees, and correct minor plan labeling errors. The applicant agreed to those stipulations on the record.
After deliberation the board voted to grant the two variances — a front‑yard setback deviation for part of the second floor and relief for lot coverage — subject to the conditions and final engineering review. The decision directs the board attorney to prepare a memorializing resolution.
What happens next: the applicant will finalize revised plan sheets and corrected survey/calculation tables and submit them to the township’s engineering department as part of building‑permit processing.
