Another Glen Rock Home Built Too Big

A newly completed home at 107 Rutland Road faced delays after it was discovered to exceed the town’s permitted Effective Gross Floor Area Ratio (EGFAR) by 239 square feet due to a zoning code miscalculation. Developer Greg Romanzo of Wycoff Developers had built the house based on architect‑approved plans, but an error in counting the covered front and rear porches in the EGFAR total placed the property out of compliance.

Romanzo purchased the property in February 2023. After multiple plan revisions, construction permits were issued on April 4, 2024, and the project was completed and permits closed out by June 2025. The home went under contract in July 2025. During preparations for closing in early August, the miscalculation was identified when the covered porches were found to have been excluded from earlier EGFAR calculations.

If the zoning variance was denied, Romanzo estimated that removing or modifying the rear porch could cost between $100,000 and $125,000. Carrying costs over a six‑month period could have added another $50,000. The buyers had already negotiated a $50,000 reduction in price, bringing Romanzo’s estimated total financial impact to around $200,000, factoring in potential loss of sale, reduced equity, and carrying costs.

The buyers, Anil Divakaran and his family, including two young children, remained under contract but were awaiting resolution. Divakaran testified that the family was “very eager to move into this home.”

At the September 11, 2025 meeting of the Glen Rock Zoning Board of Adjustment, board members expressed support for Romanzo, noting that the issue appeared to stem from an honest oversight by both the architect and the building department, and not from any intentional misconduct. All agreed that Romanzo had followed the approved plans in good faith.

The board granted the requested C2 variance in a vote with all but one member in favor. A key condition of approval was that the rear covered porch must remain open on approximately two and a half sides; any future enclosure will require further board review. The front porch was ruled conforming after recalculating following removal of a shed.

With the variance approved, Romanzo is expected to proceed with closing, and the Divakaran family is set to move into their new home. The case highlights how detailed code interpretations and initial approvals can have significant implications for both builders and buyers.