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Planning board approves elevated deck variance for Eagle Hill Road homeowner
Summary
The Woodcliff Lake Planning Board voted to approve a homeowner's variance to build an elevated deck that will provide direct kitchen egress, citing a cul-de-sac lot configuration that reduces the rear-yard setback; the decision is final after a forthcoming resolution and a 45-day appeal period.
The Woodcliff Lake Planning Board on Thursday approved a variance allowing a homeowner on Eagle Hill Road to replace a ground-level patio with an elevated 27-by-26-foot deck that will provide direct egress from the kitchen.
The applicant, sworn before the board, said the existing steps from the kitchen to the patio are a safety concern and described the proposed deck as "a long-term investment" for the family. The applicant also told the board the new deck would occupy essentially the same footprint as the current patio and would include an open railing and built-in grill area.
Board members and staff reviewed a survey showing the house sits on a cul-de-sac, which, the board said, effectively reduces the rear-yard buildable area and created the need for a variance. The board noted that because the proposed deck would rise about four feet above grade it does not qualify for the more permissive setback that applies to low ground-level features. "If the house was sit forward an additional 21 feet then this deck would be sitting off the back at 41 ft which would be within code," a board member said while explaining the setback calculation to the applicant.
A neighboring witness, Mike Lickman, told the board he did not object and said the composite deck would "beautify the property and make it safe," and confirmed the deck height at roughly four feet.
After questioning and review of exhibits (marked in the record as A1 through A5, including denial from the construction official, a survey and photo renderings), the board voted to approve the application. The board chair explained that the formal resolution will be prepared for the next meeting and that the applicant has a 45-day right of appeal before building permits are pulled. "The application gets approved tonight; the resolution likely at the next meeting and there is a 45 day right of appeal," the chair said.
The board's action was recorded as an approval; the applicant may proceed with permit applications at their own risk during the appeal period.
The Planning Board also reminded interested parties that a separate pool application for 60 Shore Road was postponed because the applicant's attorney could not attend and will be rescheduled to a future meeting; notices will appear on the board website.
