Board of Adjustment Approves Front-Porch Rebuild Variance for Jason Sun and Alice Huang at 38 Clinton Road

Glen Ridge's Board of Adjustment on July 14, 2022 approved a minimum front-yard setback variance (Application 22-03) for Jason Sun and Alice Huang at 38 Clinton Road, allowing them to rebuild a front porch damaged in a prior storm. Sun testified the porch's previous, nonconforming footprint required rebuilding it differently, and that the Historic Preservation Commission had already approved the new plans. To support his case, Sun submitted a photo packet, entered as Exhibit A1, of other front porches on Clinton Road, along with his own measurements suggesting the prevailing setbacks on his block -- shaped partly by the street's topography -- were themselves largely out of conformance with the ordinance, and that his proposed porch fell within that prevailing setback.

Board members discussed how much weight to give Sun's self-collected measurements, ultimately agreeing to accept the testimony as lay rather than expert evidence. No members of the public commented, and the board voted unanimously to approve the application. The board also adopted its February 10, 2022 minutes, with Mr. Krien and Mr. Sprong abstaining.