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Planning board approves rear‑yard variance for Lafayette Street homeowner
Summary
The planning board unanimously approved a rear‑yard variance allowing a deck projecting 16 feet from the house at 1137 Lafayette Street (required setback 12½ feet; proposed 11 ft 9 in), with members calling the relief de minimis and noting proximity to township open space.
The Township Planning Board voted to approve a rear‑yard variance for homeowner David McPaters at 1137 Lafayette Street to build a deck that extends 16 feet from the house where a 12½‑foot setback is required. The applicant said the deck will create an outdoor family area and that neighboring properties have similar decks. The motion to approve passed on roll call with affirmative votes from the members present.
David McPaters described the requested relief and pointed to the recorded plan, noting that the property abuts township open space and that the board’s measurement shows the requested setback reduction is minor relative to other nearby improvements. He said the deck location makes use of the only flat yard area and would accommodate family activities.
Board members characterized the variance as de minimis given the property’s shape and the surrounding context; no members of the public spoke for or against the application. The board approved the variance on a roll‑call vote. The applicant was advised to follow standard building‑permit procedures and to coordinate with local construction officials for final approvals.
