Grossman Reasons for Relief Documentrcd 3 23 2026

Max Grossman 15 Alan Street, West Orange, NJ 07052 Reasons for Relief This application seeks a C-2 variance for an existing accessory structure to modify the permissible height and maintain existing setbacks. Specifically, I am requesting permission to increase the structure’s height to 20.6 feet, exceeding the 15-foot limit. There will be no change to the existing side and rear setbacks of the main accessory structure. A related property improvement will increase the distance of the structure from the lot boundary in one area (marked “EXT” on the original survey) from 10 inches to 4.65 feet, through its removal due to deterioration. The lot will be enhanced with additional permeable soil and grass seed in its place. The reason for this requested relief is that the current structure is inadequate for the requirements of modern vehicles and contemporary family needs. A modern Ford F150 Crew cab is 22.5’ long. The proposed dimensions of the new garage would leave 26’ of interior space to accommodate the length of the vehicle and a little space to walk in front and back of it, or open the tailgate to unload. Due to the narrow configuration of my lot, the existing north/south orientation of the garage is necessary to maintain functionality and preserve the existing lawn to the east, while also facilitating the reuse of the existing structure and foundation. The increased height is essential to accommodate much-needed storage and provide space for my small part time hobby business of woodworking. I have been the full time woodshop teacher at West Orange High School for the past 11 years and plan to continue my employment there for the foreseeable future. Given that my residence is only 1,479 square feet, it lacks sufficient area for adequate storage or recreational activities. Providing this supplementary floor space above the garage will significantly enhance the home’s livability and flexibility, which is crucial for my family to remain long-term residents of West Orange. Hardship and Special Reasons The requested C-2 variance is necessitated by the unique physical characteristics of this property, which create a practical hardship. The lot at 15 Alan Street is a narrow, moderately graded parcel situated on the side of a mountain in the “Lourdes” section of West Orange. The lot measures only 40 feet in width, severely constraining the placement of any accessory

arrow, moderately graded parcel situated on the side of a mountain in the “Lourdes” section of West Orange. The lot measures only 40 feet in width, severely constraining the placement of any accessory structure. The existing garage location is the only viable position on the lot that preserves driveway access, maintains the existing lawn, and allows reuse of the existing foundation—moving the structure to a different location is not a practical alternative. These lot characteristics are inherent to the property and pre- date my ownership. The small size of the main dwelling—only 1,479 square feet—compounds this hardship. The residence provides no meaningful space for storage or hobby work, needs that are common to residential occupancy. The inability to meet these needs within the footprint of the main structure is not a matter of preference but a genuine functional deficiency