Zoning Board of Adjustment
Craig Peskin, Chairman
Tabitha Trela, Land Use Administrator | (908) 322-6700, ext. 307
The Zoning Board of Adjustment conducts public hearings once a month to hear and decide upon applications for Zoning Code variances, appeals of the Zoning Officer's decisions, and interpretations of the Zoning Code. The Zoning Board is made up of seven regular members all of whom are appointed by the Township Council and serve four-year terms without compensation. In addition, the Zoning Board hires its own consultants at the beginning of each year when it reorganizes. In addition, the Township Council may appoint up to two alternate members of the Board of Adjustment, both of whom will serve in rotation during the absence or disqualification of any regular member or members. The term length for an alternate member is two years.
Individual homeowners may appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment without legal counsel. Commercial applicants, however, are required to have legal representation. A Zoning Variance Application and checklist can be obtained from the Zoning Board Clerk in the Zoning Division Office.
Click Here for the latest Board Committee Appointments & Committee Guide
LEGAL NOTICE
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
TOWNSHIP OF SCOTCH PLAINS
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Scotch Plains is scheduled for September 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and held by online/virtual means and telephonically only.
The following applications will be heard:
Marinaro, William, 1250 Lenape Way, Block 14701, Lot 18, R-1 Zone, has applied for the installation of a 14’ x 30’ shed on the left side of the property. The proposed location is approximately ±5 feet from the left side of the property line. A variance is required as this is prohibited under the following:
Chapter 23-3.4D, Paragraph A, Column 2: Accessory buildings and structures are required to maintain a minimum side-yard setback of 30 feet.
Lukko, John, 1260 Woodside Road, Block 9601, Lot 12, R-2 Zone, has applied for the construction of a new laundry room on the grade level of the house, reducing the garage size from 12’ x 24’ to 12’ x 16.’ A variance is required as this is prohibited under the following:
Chapter 23-2.3, Regulations Applicable to All Zones, 1.4: Construction plans for all one- and two- family dwellings, townhouses, and condominiums shall include an enclosed private garage of not less than 12’ x 20’ feet.
Szewc, Tomasz, 827 O’Donnell Avenue, Block 7402, Lot 37, R-3 Zone, has re-applied requesting permission to retain pigeons in an existing pigeon coop located at the above referenced property. A variance is required as this is prohibited under the following:
Chapter 23-2.3, Regulations Applicable to All Zones, q) prohibited uses; and
Chapter 23-3.5, R-1 Residential Zone, (a), Permitted Primary Uses, para 2, Customary and conventional limited farming operations, including the raising of flowers and vegetables and horticultural materials but not including the use of commercial greenhouses nor the raising of any animals except customary household pets.
Members of the public who wish to monitor and/or participate in these public meeting procedures may join from a computer or capable device at:
Topic: Township of Scotch Plains ZBOA Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/3718671959?pwd=NXU4blMvQzJSRFoyQ1BUdDh3aG1BQT09
Meeting ID: 371 867 1959
Passcode: Qay11J
Join instructions
The agenda for the meeting on September 10, 2026 will be posted on the Township of Scotch Plains website.
Alternately, members of the public may contact the Land Use Administrator by email at
Tabitha Trela
Land Use Administrator
Meeting Schedule
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, in order to project the health, safety and welfare of our citizens pursuant to standards promulgated by law to address the Coronavirus pandemic, Regular Meetings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Scotch Plains, Union County, New Jersey, shall continue to be held by online/virtual means and telephonically only*, at 7:30p.m. on the following Thursdays in 2025 unless otherwise noted. Should in-person attendance be announced at a future date, those meetings will occur in Council Chambers, First Floor, Municipal Building, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| * 1-8-26 | 7:00 p.m. |
| 2-5-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 3-5-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 4-9-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 5-7-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 6-4-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 7-9-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 9-10-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 10-1-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 11-12-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| 12-3-26 | 7:30 p.m. |
| * 1-7-27 | 7:00 p.m. |
| 1-7-27 | 7:30 p.m. |
* Reorganizational Meeting
** Meeting Cancelled
*** Special Meeting
– Members of the public should regularly check the Township of Scotch Plains’ website, or may contact the Land Use Administrator by email at
In accordance with the Americans and Disabilities Act, any person that might require special needs should be in touch with the Board office during normal business hours so that their needs may be addressed. All interested persons may be present and be heard.