Board Approves Side-Yard Variance for AC Condenser Units at 34 Sommer Avenue

Glen Ridge's Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance at its February 8, 2018 meeting allowing Allen Sista to install central air conditioning at his home at 34 Sommer Avenue. Sista told the board that the configuration of his property left no code-compliant spot for the condensing units: his driveway occupies the entire east side yard, and a doorway and basement window rule out the rear yard. He proposed placing the units in the west side yard, just 0.44 feet from the property line where four feet is normally required, noting his house already sits only 3.81 feet from that line and that a neighbor's six-foot fence and garage sit immediately adjacent. To address noise concerns from the close proximity, Sista said sound shields would be installed on the units. No members of the public commented, and the board approved the application on the condition that a sound shield be installed on each condenser and that the units meet or exceed the borough's noise ordinance. The board also adopted its January 11 minutes, with Mr. Krien and Mr. Johnson abstaining.