Tenafly, NJ Zoning Board of Adjustment
Sundays tracks every public Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting in Tenafly, NJ and summarizes what was decided — variances, site-plan and subdivision applications, and Board of Adjustment hearings. Land-use items are kept off the weekly Sundays email (they're a specialist read), but every one is archived here and verified against the official meeting record. 10 items on file; most recent August 18, 2026.
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Council President and Council discussion: subdivision approvals, planning board/zoning board roles, and need for data
Council members discussed concerns about subdivision applications and perceived increases in variances and lot changes, including impacts on neighborhood character and setbacks. They discussed whether to review ordinances and engage the planning board and professionals, and emphasized the need for data and reporting on trends before policy changes.
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Electronic sign protocol discussion: brightness, night mode, and temporary sign locations
Officials discussed complaints and praise about the electronic sign at Route 9W and East Clinton Avenue, focusing on excessive nighttime brightness and possible adjustments. They also discussed reducing sign clutter by limiting temporary sign permits/locations and distinguishing community event messaging from billboard-like advertising and political speech.
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Planning Board report (approvals and issues: mixed-use building, subdivision, 161 Jefferson Avenue, Knickerbocker Country Club, Starbucks, PSE&G paving coordination)
Councilmember Dayton reported on Planning Board actions including approvals for a mixed-use building at 11 West Railroad Avenue, a minor subdivision, and redevelopment at 161 Jefferson Avenue. The report also covered Knickerbocker Country Club activity, stormwater/flooding concerns, Starbucks timing, and concerns about PSE&G trenching and repaving obligations.
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Public comment: Deer impacts and requests to change fence ordinance / variance approach
Multiple residents described severe deer impacts and requested changes to fencing rules and/or zoning relief to allow effective deer-deterrent fences, including on corner lots and in front-yard areas with adequate setbacks. Speakers argued current processes and limits (e.g., 4-foot fences) are ineffective and costly, and asked the Borough to study and amend ordinances.
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Public comment period (redevelopment designation and Clinton Inn site options)
A resident asked how the “area in need of redevelopment” designation for the Clinton Inn area affects whether the property must remain a hotel, and whether council action is required to remove a hotel requirement. Officials explained the redevelopment plan provides two zoning paths and clarified when council involvement is required versus a Planning Board site plan review.
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Closing Public Comment and Referendum Petition
A resident presented a petition with 357 signatures requesting a town-wide referendum to limit building heights in the borough to four stories.
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Cell Tower Lease and Sale Options
The council discussed options for leasing or selling the municipal cell tower. A company expressed interest in purchasing the tower for $1 million, leading to considerations of potential revenue generation and future technology implications.
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Consideration of Cell Tower Lease and Sale Options
Resolution 27-143 evaluates the financial and operational implications of leasing or selling a municipal cell tower. Discussions include potential revenue generation, technology obsolescence, and the preservation of municipal control over land use.
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Cell Tower Lease and Sale Proposal
The council discussed the potential lease or sale of the municipal cell tower, with a company offering $1 million for its purchase. The ordinance seeks to explore financial benefits and technological implications of this decision.
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Cell Tower Lease or Sale Proposal
A proposal to lease or sell a cell tower was discussed, including bids, potential revenue, and technological concerns over future obsolescence.