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Board approves expansion and variances for 28 Plymouth Road; FAR variance triggers five-vote threshold
Summary
The board granted multiple variances for renovations at 28 Plymouth Road, including a modest floor-area increase that required a five-vote threshold; members cited neighborhood context, screening and minimal tree impact in the approval.
Summit's Zoning Board approved variances Aug. 3 for renovations at 28 Plymouth Road after hearing testimony from architect Thomas Baio and the applicant, Claudia O'Leary. The application included a floor-area-ratio (FAR) variance, a small lot-coverage increase, and side-yard/setback relief tied to the house's preexisting nonconformities.
Thomas Baio told the board that the largest variance is a modest FAR increase (about 162 square feet above the allowed 25%); he said the addition is consistent with neighboring lot sizes and that materials and fenestration would match the existing house. "We're going to match the shingle, the roofing, color," Baio said, noting the design intent is to blend with the block. Board members reviewed driveway geometry, existing zero-foot driveway conditions and whether the garage would remain functional. The applicant said the proposal preserves garage access and does not remove trees.
Because an FAR variance is involved, the application needed five affirmative votes, which the board recorded. Members who voiced concerns about drive access and garage functionality said the project nevertheless fit the block context and would make the home more livable with limited neighborhood impact.
