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Tenafly board approves second-story addition at 66 Dean Drive with ridge-height condition
Summary
The Board approved a second-floor addition at 66 Dean Drive (ZB-2025-11) despite rear- and side-yard variances, citing lot constraints from a PSE&G gas-main easement; approval (6-0) requires a ridge-height certification before a Certificate of Occupancy.
The board approved the application for 66 Dean Drive on Feb. 2, allowing a second-floor addition that requires relief from rear-yard and side-yard requirements. The applicant, identified as Haoran Hu d/b/a 66 Dean Drive LLC, sought variances because the lot is undersized and bisected by a PSE&G gas-main easement, which the applicants counsel said constrains the homes footprint.
Engineer Mr. McClellan testified that the easement forces atypical setbacks and explained that the proposed cantilevered 2-foot rear overhang would not increase impervious coverage because it projects over existing patio area. Architect Ms. Pantale described internal renovations that would convert the house from a three-bedroom to a five-bedroom layout to improve circulation; she acknowledged height measurements varied among testimony and plans.
Board Engineer Mr. Vince recommended conditioning any approval on a final ridge-height certification to ensure the structure does not exceed the 30-foot maximum. The board approved the application 6-0 (Ms. Toro was not present to vote) and included the ridge-height certification requirement prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
