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ZBA denies oversized accessory building request after sharp questions about 31‑foot height
Summary
A Newburgh homeowner asked to build a 42'x48' accessory building with a roughly 31‑foot peak to house car collections and solar panels. Board members said the proposed peak was out of scale for the neighborhood; the motion to approve failed and the application was denied. The applicant was told he can redesign and return with a lower roof line.
Nick DiLemme asked the ZBA to allow a 42-by-48-foot accessory building with roughly a 30–31-foot peak at 12 Deer Run Road to store collectible cars, stack vehicles and host solar panels on a large roof.
DiLemme said the roof line was necessary both for the building's proportions to match his house and to provide a solar‑ready slope. Board members and the town's code officer focused discussion on the requested height, potential conversion to other uses and the self‑created nature of the need. Members noted there was no intent to put plumbing or an apartment in the structure but warned that higher ceilings and roof access can lead to future conversion pressure.
After extensive questioning about alternatives — lower roof pitch, changing footprint and attaching the structure — the motion to approve failed on a tie and the application was denied. The applicant was advised to revise the design to reduce peak height if he intends to reapply.
