Montgomery zoning board approves lot‑coverage variance for Woodview Drive addition, pool

The Montgomery Township Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 24 approved an application for a bulk‑variance to permit additions and an in‑ground pool at 66 Woodview Drive (Block 7071, Lot 22). The board voted in favor of the applicant’s revised plan, which reduced total impervious coverage to about 23.6% and retained two trees while proposing eight mitigation plantings.

Mike O'Grodnick, attorney for applicants Eric and Eileen Tanowski, told the board the project’s primary aims are “compassionate accessible care for a family member” via a mother‑in‑law suite, a light‑filled conservatory and a family outdoor amenity that includes a pool and pavilion. Engineer and planning witness Michael Ford of Van Cleef Engineering said the revised exhibit (A2) incorporates changes made after review memoranda and that the only remaining variance sought is for lot coverage.

The applicant described an enhanced subsurface infiltration basin for stormwater recharge, not a simple dry well, and said the system was sized to mitigate runoff down to the development’s effective baseline. “We submitted as part of the application what we entitled a dry well analysis … and to come to the sizing of the stormwater management facility we use the difference in impervious coverage between 24 and 15,” Ford said, adding that the design is “more elaborate” than typical practice. Board professionals confirmed the project had obtained soil erosion and sediment control approval from the Somerset‑Union Soil Conservation District and asked that the applicant provide an amended recertification as a condition of approval.

Board planner Beth McManus and other professionals reviewed A2 and recommended conditions to ensure plan notes demonstrate full compliance with her April 16 memorandum. McManus asked that exterior fixtures be dark‑sky compliant and not exceed a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin; the applicant agreed to add notes showing shielding and downward‑directed lighting. The board also required additional coordination with the township engineer on planting a street tree in the public right of way if feasible.

During deliberations, counsel framed the applicant’s proof under the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D‑2(a)), arguing the proposed mother‑in‑law suite and conservatory would advance the general welfare and that the applicant’s enhanced stormwater measures and landscaping would avoid substantial detriment to neighbors. After a motion to approve and a roll‑call vote, the chair announced the motion carried. The approval is subject to conditions reflected in the record: revision of plans to match Exhibit A2 where applicable, recertification of soil‑erosion controls, tree mitigation and landscaping as shown in the record, lighting notes to meet dark‑sky and 3,000K guidance, and any additional conditions identified in the board professionals’ memoranda.

The board also approved minutes from its March meeting and confirmed its next regular meeting for June 23, 2026. No members of the public remained in the room when the board voted on the application, according to the record.