Board approves lot‑coverage relief for Borsk sunroom after neighbors raise drainage concerns; approval capped at amended 20.25%

The Board of Adjustment considered an otherwise routine permit to replace a failing sunroom and found the property exceeded the R‑4 lot‑coverage maximum. Applicants Lisa and Seth Borsk presented a direct like‑for‑like sunroom replacement and argued the parcel’s overage reflects historical site features and prior owner work. Using a 2016 survey as a baseline, applicants and staff reviewed incremental coverage items and identified stone walks and a gravel path not visible on older records that together account for roughly the amount pushing the property above the permitted limit.

Neighbors from 19 Spruce Street asked about stormwater impacts — they said their basement has experienced water issues and that the proposed taller structure and additional impervious cover could increase runoff. The applicants said their drains daylight into an existing catch basin at the curb and agreed to work with the township engineering department on mitigation; they also offered to remove the gravel path and a small area of bluestone stepping‑stones to reduce net coverage. The board conducted a straw poll and indicated majority support if the applicants reduced coverage by roughly 200–250 square feet. The applicants amended the request during the hearing to seek approval for a maximum lot coverage of 20.25% and agreed that the approved coverage could not be reallocated without returning to the board.

With those conditions — removal of specified hardscape features, required stormwater measures if disturbance thresholds are exceeded, and compliance with memos from engineering and the environmental commission — the board voted to grant the coverage relief.