The Zoning Board of Appeals left open an application to maintain side-yard and rear-yard stairs at 5 Maryland Avenue after hearing that an elevated electrical meter and a contractor alignment error prompted the current configuration.

Rebecca Weavers, representing applicant Will Hallett, said the house was elevated and PSE&G required the electrical meter to be set above the design flood elevation, which in turn required a platform and access stair. Weavers told the board the contractor aligned the built stair with an existing deck rather than inside the original footprint, producing the current encroachment of 0.5 feet into side and rear yards.

Several commissioners expressed concern the new exterior stairs and landing could be easily reconfigured into a separate entrance for a rental unit, citing similar conversions elsewhere and the recent discussion about accessory apartments. Board members asked whether the contractor would cover the cost to remove or correct the stairs; Weavers said she believed the contractor would be responsible and that she could provide documentation from PSE&G describing the required meter elevation.

The board said it would keep the case open for voting and asked the applicant to submit PSE&G’s written elevation requirement and any corrective plans or contractor communications. No public speakers opposed the application at the hearing.