Zoning board approves 15 Hilldale Road variance after neighbors’ drainage concerns addressed

The Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment on Dec. 10 approved variances for work at 15 Hilldale Road (Block 7207, Lot 4) after the applicant provided an engineered retaining/curb wall and stormwater details to address neighbors’ drainage concerns.

Applicant David Lee presented a revised plan that the municipal land-use engineer reviewed and deemed satisfactory; the design calls for a concrete curb/retaining wall extending along the property line and a 3-by-20-foot landscaped swale to absorb runoff. Neighbors at 327 and 335 Walnut Lane told the board the revised plan resolved the drainage issues raised at earlier hearings, though one neighbor continued to press about a requested 3-foot garage setback versus the 5-foot standard in the zoning ordinance.

In response, the applicant told the board he preferred a 3-foot garage setback for maneuverability but said he would accept a 5-foot setback so the application could move forward. The board’s motion to approve the variances for the second-floor side-yard additions and related items explicitly excluded any variance for the garage/driveway setback; the garage must meet the 5-foot setback required by ordinance. Staff and the town engineer will confirm impervious coverage and the conditions in the resolution during the sign-off process.

The board approved the application by roll call. The approval includes standard resolution conditions, reviews by the municipal engineer, and the requirement that any changes that affect the garage or driveway be returned to the proper review process.