Ventnor Planning Board: March 11 Application Overview
The Ventnor City Planning Board is set to address a series of significant residential applications on March 11, 2026, at the City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting agenda highlights the ongoing efforts of residents to modernize housing stock through flood-compliant renovations and expansions.
Key Applications for Consideration
The Planning Board will review five distinct applications, each reflecting the current trend of adapting older properties to meet modern building codes and FEMA standards.
5400 Calvert Avenue: Applicants Matt and Danielle Beirne are seeking "C" variance relief for front yard setbacks on both Surrey and Calvert Avenues. This project involves the construction of a new, single-family, flood-compliant dwelling.
6203 Ventnor Avenue: Farhad Bagherpour has submitted a request for variances related to front yard setbacks for both the dwelling and the porch, aimed at facilitating façade improvements and new porch construction.
114 N. Cambridge Avenue: Michael and Delia Donahue have applied for rear and side yard setback relief. Their plan involves raising the existing dwelling and adding parking beneath the structure.
213 N. Derby Avenue: Joseph and Kristin Young are filing for elevation requests, reflecting the city-wide movement toward increasing the height of existing housing to meet modern flood standards.
212 N. Derby Avenue: Daniel and Stacy Zelmanoff are seeking a second-floor addition and lot coverage variances in addition to elevation requests for the property.
Navigating Local Constraints
This cluster of applications provides insight into how property owners in Ventnor are managing the balance between the city’s historic grid and the necessary upgrades for long-term resiliency. Raising dwellings and adding under-structure parking are common strategies to address flood risks while maximizing the utility of tight lot constraints.
Why It Matters: An Agent's Perspective
These planning board applications represent more than just individual renovation projects; they are part of the larger evolution of Ventnor’s housing market. “In places like Ventnor, buyers are looking for more than just a house,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “They want modern, flood-compliant homes that can stand the test of time, and these types of updates are exactly what help maintain the character and value of our local neighborhoods.” For owners, navigating these variances is a critical step in preserving the long-term desirability of their investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are these meetings held?
The Planning Board meets at the City Hall Commission Chambers, 6201 Atlantic Avenue.Why are so many applications requesting elevation variances?
Many homeowners are looking to bring their properties up to modern FEMA flood standards, which often requires increasing the height of the building.How do these projects affect the neighborhood?
These improvements generally enhance the overall resilience and modernization of the housing stock in the R-4 and R-7 districts.
Sources: Ventnor City Planning Board; Ventnor City Official Calendar
