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Orangetown ZBA approves variances for second‑story addition at 281 Blaisdell Road
Summary
The Orangetown Zoning Board of Appeals approved area variances allowing a roughly 500‑square‑foot second‑story addition above an existing garage at 281 Blaisdell Road for owner‑applicant Dennis Samanovich; the project was remanded to local decision by Rockland County and found SEQR‑exempt by board counsel.
The Orangetown Zoning Board of Appeals on an uncontested voice vote approved area variances to allow a roughly 500‑square‑foot second‑story addition above an existing garage at 281 Blaisdell Road, applicant Dennis Samanovich said.
Board member Billy read the application record for ZBA #26‑20 and the variances sought — including a proposed floor‑area ratio of 0.21 where 0.20 is permitted and side‑yard totals below the code minimum — and noted the property is in the R‑22 zoning district with R‑15 setbacks per the recorded subdivision plan. A May 28, 2026 referral from the Rockland County Department of Planning, signed by Commissioner Douglas Schutz, was read into the record; the county remanded the matter for local decision.
"I just adding up one more room as house above the garage, which one is going to be attached to the existing house. Uh approximately there are 500 square feet. And it's going to be a uh one more bathroom, full bathroom, with the closet," applicant Dennis Samanovich said when asked to describe the proposal.
Board members confirmed the work would not expand the house footprint and that the addition would be built directly above the existing garage. Members asked about nearby uses; the board noted the south side of the property adjoins trees and commercial properties along Ramland Road and that no neighbors had voiced objections in the hearing.
Denise, speaking for the board, read a legal opinion concluding the application types described fall under the board's review and stated the project is exempt from environmental review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), citing SEQR regulations 617.5(c)(1), (2), (11), (12), (16) and/or (17). A board member moved to adopt that legal opinion and the motion was approved by voice vote.
"I make a motion that we approve the variances sought. I think that uh I don't think they're substantial. The side yard is somewhat substantial, but it's not being increased. It's going over the existing footprint of the house... No neighbors have expressed any objection to what's being planned here. Uh I don't think it's out of character with the neighborhood. Uh and there is an undersized lot. So, I don't think it's unreasonable to make slight modifications to the code here," said Board member Philip when moving approval.
The board approved the variances by voice vote ('Aye'). The board indicated that the applicant would receive an email with next steps once the minutes are finalized; staff member Caitlin was assigned to reach out to the applicant to explain the procedural follow‑up.
The decision allows the applicant to pursue building permits consistent with the approved variances. The board did not record a roll‑call vote in the transcript; approval was taken by voice vote and no recorded objections were entered into the hearing record.
