Pompton Lakes zoning board approves front-porch variance for Gohowski family

Pompton Lakes Zoning Board of Adjustment members voted to approve a front-porch variance for Rich and Linda Gohowski at their regular meeting Oct. 22.

The Gohowskis sought permission to add a front porch that extends to the house edge and five steps down to the sidewalk. "I applied, to have a porch, a front porch, put on my the front of my house," the applicant, Rich Gohowski, told the board while describing the project and the prior denial that prompted the hearing.

Board members said they performed an on-site inspection and walked the property before the hearing. The chair described the porch location and the proposed stairs and confirmed that there were no other nearby structures matching the requested projection. The board opened the matter to public questions and heard none.

A motion to approve the variance passed on roll call with members recorded as voting in favor. Board counsel explained the post-approval process: the board will prepare a written resolution to be published; the transcript and resolution start a 30-day period for potential challenges, and after 45 days the decision is final unless a party signs a waiver to accept permits sooner.

The Gohowskis indicated they would wait for the 45-day administrative period before beginning work. The board closed the hearing and moved on to other items on the agenda.