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Verona Zoning Board unanimously approves three variances for Elwood Road addition
Summary
The Verona Zoning Board of Adjustment approved three variances for a rear addition at 40 Elwood Road on July 10, 2025, including variances for a reduced setback, increased rear-lot coverage and a deck-height exception; the board said a proposed balcony would require a separate return to the board.
The Verona Zoning Board of Adjustment on July 10 approved three variances to allow a rear addition at 40 Elwood Road, a corner-lot single-family property, granting a reduced setback, increased rear-yard lot coverage and a deck-height variance.
Homeowner Ben Brantley testified under oath that the addition is intended to expand bedrooms for his family's two young children. Architect Evan Scott (Escott Architects) told the board the addition would match existing roof lines, take the place of an existing large deck and would not materially increase impervious surface; he said the project seeks a front/side setback of 16 feet 1 inch where a 30-foot setback is required and a rear-yard lot coverage of 24 percent where the ordinance requires 15 percent. The board recorded the deck height at 6 feet 8 inches and treated that as a third required variance.
Board members asked technical questions about drainage and site work. The applicant and architect said roof leaders would remain surface drained, a sump pump discharge would remain unchanged, and any excavation would follow Verona's soil removal ordinance. The architect also agreed to submit exhibit screenshots of the applicant's site renderings for the record in response to Boswell's review questions.
The board closed the public portion after no one from the public requested to speak. A motion to approve Application 2025-05 (40 Elwood Road) was made by the chair and seconded; on roll-call vote the board recorded six yes votes and no opposition, and the motion passed unanimously. The chair instructed the applicant that if a rooftop balcony is later proposed, the applicant must return to the board because rooftop decks are prohibited under the ordinance. The board said it will memorialize the decision at its next meeting.
The decision allows the homeowner to proceed with the proposed addition as approved; the applicant remains responsible for any permits, compliance with Verona's soil removal and stormwater rules, and to return to the board if plans change (for example, to add a balcony).
