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ZBA grants most variances for Rivona rebuild but denies stairs and screening waiver
Summary
The board approved the bulk of variances for a post-fire rebuild at 1455 Rivona Dr but denied three requests — including a waiver of screening for the generator and two stair-related variances — sending the project back to revise those elements.
At its May 19, 2026 meeting, the Waterford Township Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve most requested variances for a new house at 1455 Rivona Drive, removing an older burned structure and rebuilding on a small lot, but denied three requested variances including a screening waiver for mechanical equipment.
Owner Patricia Vegella described rebuilding on the original footprint and said the house was built by her father in 1950. Contractors at the hearing said the property would be cleaned up when construction begins. Several neighbors spoke during the public portion: Sean Devers said he had called the fire department and expressed no objection to the variances; Nick Somberg asked for conditional approval because of visible blight; Martin Judge said the blight has been present for years; and Ann Makinen urged prompt cleanup and expressed concern about equipment placement.
Contractor Michael Griffin explained the proposed generator location near the gas meter and said a privacy fence would be reinstalled. Board members agreed some elements could be repositioned to reduce encroachment; several stated with a new build the stairs and equipment could be sited to meet setbacks.
The board approved variances 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 by roll call (7-0) but denied variances 4, 5 and 11 — the latter being the requested waiver of the screening requirement for the a/c and generator — finding practical difficulties did not exist for those elements and citing that stairs could be moved and a privacy fence would be installed. Both the approvals and denials carried unanimously (7-0).
Why it matters: The mixed decision allows the house to be rebuilt but requires the applicant to revise stair placement and to meet screening requirements for mechanical equipment rather than receive a waiver.
What’s next: The applicant may revise plans to relocate stairs and provide screening as required and then proceed with the township’s building permit process.
