Zoning board approves 6-foot driveway extension at 921 Bernard Road

The East Coast Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant an area variance for 921 Bernard Road, approving a 6-foot extension to an existing 14-foot driveway so two vehicles can park side‑by‑side.

Gabrielle Soman, the project architect, told the board the current driveway is 14 feet wide and "we're seeking 6 foot extension so we could have 2 cars... park comfortably." She described relocating a stone wall on the right side of the property and repaving the driveway so the homeowners can park without doors striking one another.

Staff summarized its review and recommended approval, saying the proposal would widen the driveway to roughly 20 feet and provide three on‑site parking spaces — one more than the two required by code — and that similar driveway configurations exist in the neighborhood. Staff also said the change is a Type II action under SEQRA and requires no further environmental review.

Board members asked about the wall relocation, scope of repaving and whether the garage was used; Soman confirmed the plan is to remove the existing pavement and reconstruct the drive. A board member relayed the planning commission’s comment to consider precedent, and staff responded that comparable driveways are present nearby.

The chair moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor with no opposition. The chair announced the variance was approved. The board record shows the approval and the environmental determination; follow‑up at the building/inspection stage and any required planning reviews remain part of subsequent permitting steps.