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Upper Saddle River planning board approves second‑floor addition, grants setback variance at 14 Lambert Lane
Summary
The Upper Saddle River Planning Board on Feb. 11 approved a variance allowing second‑floor additions at 14 Lambert Lane, granting a front‑yard setback of 43.8 feet where 50 feet is required; the decision passed 7–0 after testimony from the applicant's attorney, engineer and architect and no public comment.
The Upper Saddle River Planning Board voted 7–0 on Feb. 11 to approve a variance allowing second‑floor additions at 14 Lambert Lane, granting a front‑yard setback of 43.8 feet where 50 feet is required.
Attorney Dominic Iannarella, representing the applicant, described plans to extend the existing two‑story single‑family house with second‑floor additions on both sides of the existing second floor. Iannarella said some variances originally noticed were not required and asked the board to find that relief could be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent of the zoning plan and zoning ordinance.
Engineer Thomas Donohue, P.E., testified the irregularly shaped, oversized property is located within the 100‑year flood plain and that the existing front‑yard setback is nonconforming at 36.9 feet versus 50 feet required. Donohue said the proposed work would increase the front setback to 43.8 feet but would create the visual appearance of a third story on the street elevation.
Borough Engineer Nicki Louloudis reviewed comments in the Colliers Engineering review letter and the board record; Iannarella told the board the applicant will comply with Colliers' comments and requirements. Architect Michael Capo described the interior layout (a master bedroom, two walk‑in closets, an office and a sitting room) and testified the exterior materials (brick and stucco) and the roofline would match the existing structure.
The board opened the hearing to members of the public twice for questions and comment; no one appeared. After discussion, Board Member Mr. Jacobs moved to approve the application as submitted; Board Member Mr. Putrino seconded. The motion carried on a roll‑call vote of seven ayes: Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Putrino, Mr. Preusch, Sarah Drennan, Mr. Fox, Mr. Wiederholz and Chair Richardi.
The meeting record shows no conditions or special stipulations beyond the applicant’s agreement to comply with Colliers Engineering comments. The board then opened and closed the public comment period (no speakers) and unanimously approved a motion to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.
Documents placed on the record included a plot plan by Thomas Donohue, dated Oct. 17, 2025; architectural plans by Michael Capo, dated March 28, 2025; and the Colliers Engineering review letter dated Nov. 28, 2025. Two other applications — Ramsey Center II, LLC ("7 Brew") at 209 Route 17 South (Block 1301 Lot 12) and an application of Ferraioli at 29 Stone Ledge Road (Block 513 Lot 23) — were carried to the Feb. 26, 2026 public hearing without further notice.
