ZBA approves porch addition on bluff cottage subject to hand-dug pilings and vegetation replacement

The Riverhead Zoning Board of Appeals approved appeal 2026-017 for a proposed enclosed porch addition to a seasonal cottage at Cottage Number 52730, North Wading River Road, locating the work within the bluff/coastal erosion area (CI). Attorney Jackie Hubbard (speaker 7) told the board the cottage is a preexisting nonconforming structure and the proposed porch would not disturb previously undisturbed areas.

Committee member (speaker 6) said the board reviewed the application and agreed to permit the addition with conditions designed to limit bluff disturbance: pilings to be hand-dug where construction occurs, use the minimum number of pilings necessary, or submit a revised plan and an engineering affidavit proving reduction is infeasible. Any vegetation disturbed or removed must be replaced with trees, shrubs and other plantings in accordance with the application and building inspector requirements. The board moved, seconded and recorded affirmative votes to approve the variance subject to those conditions.

The conditions are intended to reduce erosion risk on the bluff and require follow-up with the building inspector to ensure compliance. The applicant's counsel said the project does not propose disturbance of previously undisturbed areas and that the enclosed porch would be a modest, seasonal extension of the cottage.