26 02 18 CME Planning Review 1 rcd 2 18 2026

West Orange Township Zoning Board February 18, 2026 Re: Montclair Stables, LLC (ZB-25-02) Our File No. 115.WRZ0152.V06 CME Planning Review #1 Page 5 "H:\Legacy\Howell-FS1\SEC\West Orange\Zoning Board\115.WRZ0152.V06 - Montclair Stables, LLC\26-02-09 Review #3.docx" hardship or burden and economic inutility in using the site for one of the permitted uses; 2) that the proposed use is inherently beneficial; or 3) that the proposed use will promote the general welfare by advancing one of the purposes of zoning, and that the site is particularly suitable for the use. 2. Negative Criteria: The applicant must show that the variance can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good, and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the zone plan. d. For any d-2 expansion of a non-coforming use, the focus of the applicant’s testimony and the Board’s consideration should be on the expansion of the use, and not the use itself in general. The applicant must show that the site can reasonably accommodate the expansion while still satisfying the negative criteria. The applicant does not necessarily need to demonstrate that this site is particularly suited for an equestrian facility. e. Several bulk variances are required of this application as proposed. The applicant must satisfy both the positive and negative criteria for each of these variances: 1. Positive Criteria: The applicant must show that either there is an undue hardship (practical difficulty) in conforming to the code (c-1 hardship), or that the proposed conditions represent a preferable alternative to conforming to the standards of the code, that the purposes of zoning will be advanced, and that the benefits of the deviation would outweigh any detrimental impacts (c-2 flexible). 2. Negative Criteria: The applicant must show that the variance can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good, and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the zone plan. f. The applicant should clarify if it is the intent that Block 152.02. Lots 176, 179, and Lot 186 are merged to create a single parcel, or if it is intended to retain the overall tract as three lots rather than one. g. The applicant should provide testimony addressing steep slopes identified on the property, and any disturbance of slopes. h. We defer any comment on grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater

ne. g. The applicant should provide testimony addressing steep slopes identified on the property, and any disturbance of slopes. h. We defer any comment on grading, drainage, utilities, and stormwater management to the Board Engineer. i. Any approval should be conditioned upon receipt of all required outside agency permits and/or approvals