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Waldwick board approves 6‑foot fence variance at 2 Smith Street
Summary
The Waldwick Zoning Board approved a variance allowing a 6‑ft vinyl fence at 2 Smith Street for privacy and safety reasons, after the applicant, Frank Petroselli, demonstrated sight‑line setbacks and neighbor support; several other applications were carried to July 22, 2026.
The Waldwick Zoning Board on a unanimous vote approved a height variance that will allow a homeowner to replace an existing chain‑link fence with a 6‑foot vinyl fence at 2 Smith Street.
Frank Petroselli, who identified himself for the record as the owner of 2 Smith Street and testified without counsel, said the taller fence is sought to provide privacy and a measure of security for his 1‑year‑old son. "We need some privacy. We need some security," Petroselli said, adding that the proposed fence would be set back 62 feet from the roadway and would not obstruct sight lines at the nearby stop sign.
Board members reviewed the R3 zone corner‑lot rule that limits fence height to 4 feet where the orientation of adjacent houses creates a frontage restriction. A board member explained the petitioner’s proposal begins beyond the 1.5× front‑yard setback required by the ordinance — in Petroselli’s case the fence would start at about 62 feet, comfortably exceeding the 37.5‑foot threshold — which is why the applicant requested the variance.
Several members told Petroselli they were satisfied he had discussed the plan with his neighbor, and that the rendering helped visualize the proposed fence. After a motion and second to approve, the chair called a roll and the board recorded affirmative votes to grant the variance. The chair advised Petroselli that a formal resolution of approval would be prepared and published, and that a 45‑day appeal period begins on the date of that publication; the applicant may proceed at his own risk or wait until the appeal period expires.
Also during the meeting staff announced that four other applications — for properties at 5 Highland Avenue (Cohen), 26 Revere Lane (Mersch), 54 Evergreen Street (Reed) and 1 Smith Street (KOC LLC) — were carried or adjourned to the board’s meeting on July 22, 2026, and no new notice will be given. A member of the public, Mary Bollinger of 22 Roberta Lane, attended to ask how to submit exhibits and present objections at a future hearing; board members described the three phases of a hearing (witness testimony and cross‑examination, testimony/evidence presentation, then public comment) and advised that detailed exhibits are best submitted in advance to the board secretary when possible.
The meeting concluded with routine waivers and approvals of the minutes and resolutions and an adjournment.
The board did not receive any recorded objections to the Petroselli application at the meeting; the formal resolution will state the conditions of approval and trigger the statutory 45‑day appeal period.
