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Zoning board approves variances for 40 Oriole Avenue, including condenser setback and increased coverage
Summary
The Bronxville Zoning Board of Appeals granted variances for 40 Oriole Avenue to allow a two‑story rear addition, expanded patio and three condensing units closer to the side property line than the code allows. Architect Erica Ellenberger said the proposal preserves open space and includes stormwater measures; the board voted unanimously to approve.
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant area variances for 40 Oriole Avenue after a presentation by architect Erica Ellenberger on behalf of Christine and Patrick Gallagher. The board accepted the applicant's stated building coverage figure (25.7%) and approved a side‑yard variance for three condensing units sited at 7'11" where the minimum required is 15 feet.
Ellenberger told the board the project includes a two‑story rear addition to expand the primary suite, renovation of basement recreation space with emergency egress, and new site features — a Bluestone patio, retaining walls and paths. On stormwater, she said the design uses trench drains, dry wells and new sump pumps routed to a separate chamber and that Hudson Engineering performed percolation testing at the site. "Our water is pitched out this way and collected with a trench drain... we're working with the natural elevation, so we're not doing a lot of excavation to get the drainage relocated there," she said.
Board members praised the design and noted the project would maintain substantial open space on the lot. Jamie Regan, Martin Muir, Mary Ellen Carpenter, John Brown and Chair Stuart McIntosh all voted in favor. The chair noted the condensing units would be screened and that improved mechanical equipment should be more efficient than older units they replace.
