Ventnor City Planning Board Agenda: New Single-Family Variances Scheduled

The Ventnor City Planning Board has officially scheduled a public land-use and zoning meeting for July 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The public hearings will take place inside the municipal City Hall Chambers located at 6201 Atlantic Avenue. This upcoming session highlights a significant and ongoing real estate trend across the Downbeach barrier islands, as property developers and private owners increasingly look to transition aging multi-family or duplex configurations into high-value, dense single-family luxury residences.

Because these contemporary residential designs maximize square footage on established coastal lots, applicants frequently require substantial bulk variance relief from traditional municipal codes. The July 8 agenda features two major private development applications requiring detailed board review and public comment.

Major Variance Request at 27 S. Weymouth Avenue

The first major land-use application scheduled for a public hearing has been submitted by House to Home Real Estate Group, LLC. The applicant is seeking comprehensive C-variance relief to completely demolish an existing duplex structure situated at 27 S. Weymouth Avenue. In its place, the real estate development group proposes to construct a brand-new, upscale single-family residence.

To move forward with the construction, the applicant’s legal counsel, attorney Brian Callaghan, will present arguments for several specific setback variances necessitated by the property's dual-frontage orientation. The requested zoning relief explicitly includes front yard building setbacks along both Weymouth Avenue and Frankfort Avenue, alongside necessary variance relief for the property's proposed front decks and porches. This case underscores the challenges developers face when fitting modern layouts onto older shore lots.

Rear and Side Yard Setback Reviews for 10-12 N. Washington Avenue

The second substantial zoning application on the Planning Board's agenda has been submitted by property owners David and Elizabeth Verman. Represented by attorney Eric Goldstein, the Vermans are seeking comprehensive C-variance relief to execute significant modifications at their property located at 10-12 N. Washington Avenue.

The Verman application addresses a complex mix of dimensional adjustments on the residential parcel. Specifically, the owners require bulk variance relief for rear yard setbacks separating the garage structure from the main house, side yard setbacks, and first-floor side yard setbacks. Furthermore, the application requests zoning approvals for third-floor habitable space modifications and overall changes to the lot coverage percentage. These requests represent a common effort among seasonal and year-round homeowners to maximize vertical living space within Ventnor's strict regulatory boundaries.

Why It Matters: Real Estate Insight and Neighborhood Changes

The shifting composition of Ventnor’s housing inventory, moving steadily away from multi-family duplexes toward high-end single-family custom builds, has a profound impact on local property values and neighborhood density. When older multi-family structures are demolished, it reduces overall rental density while substantially raising the baseline valuation of the street block. This trend drives consistent capital appreciation across Ventnor, reinforcing its status as an incredibly attractive market for premium residential investment.

“These islands are already built out, so there’s only so much property to go around,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “Markets go up and down, but over the long haul, that scarcity keeps values moving in the right direction.”

Micro-FAQ: Understanding Local Planning Board Meetings

Can the public attend the July 8 Planning Board meeting?

Yes. All municipal planning and zoning board meetings are fully open to the public. Property owners within 200 feet of the target applications receive formal notification, but any resident can attend and speak during the public comment portion of each hearing.

What is the difference between a duplex demolition and a single-family build for the neighborhood?

Generally, transitioning from a duplex to a single-family home decreases density, which can ease local street parking pressures. However, it also changes the inventory of seasonal rental units available on the block.

Where can I view the exact architectural blueprints for these applications?

Complete application packets, including detailed site surveys and architectural drawings, are maintained on file and are available for public inspection at the Ventnor City Hall zoning office prior to the meeting.

Sources: Ventnor City Planning Board Official Agenda; City of Ventnor Zoning Office