Oversized Homes on Undersized Lots

Does it seem like new houses are filling more of the building lots than the neighboring homes and extending almost to the lot lines? Perhaps you are not imagining it. Indeed, many of the newly constructed homes are larger than the maximum floor area ratios for their lot sizes as defined by village code. How do these get by the Building Department? One theory is that architects and builders exploit exemptions in the code, which allow them to add additional space in dormers and garages that are not included the floor area ratio (FAR) calculations. Basements, even if they are fully finished, are also exempt if the exterior wall of the basement is less than three feet high. Another method of exceeding the FAR regulations is to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals to seek a variance, which perhaps some of the developers are doing.

Square footage quoted in the real estate listings varies from the interior square footage shown on the tax role for Scarsdale Village, as they use different methodologies to calculate interior space.

Here's a copy of the maximum square footage allowed from the Scarsdale Village website:

Whatever their methodology – here are a few big new homes on very small lots:

11 Pinecrest Road: The house sits on .24 acres, and according to Village Code, the maximum residential floor area should be 3,500. The listing from the broker shows that the new house will be 6,050 square feet. Since it's not yet built, there is no interior square footage shown on the Village website. The house is currently listed at $2,895,000.

Another new house is at 18 Drake Road which the real estate listing shows as .32 acre and the village website shows as .16 acre. If it is on .32 acre, the FAR regulations say the house should be no larger than 4,350 square feet. This new house is listed at 5,600 square feet and the Village website shows that the square footage is 4,227 square feet. List price is $2,895,000

A new house on .25 acre at 4 Dell Road is listed at $2,665,000 and according to the listing will be 6,000 square feet. The Village website says that the gross residential floor area is 4,193 square feet, still more than the maximum FAR of 3,000 square feet as dictated by Village code.

A new house at 81 Spier Road sold this week for $2,400,000. The house is on 1/3 of an acre and the real estate listing shows it is 5,754 square feet. According to the chart the house should be no larger than 4,350 square feet. The Village lists the interior space of the home at 4,028 square feet.

Perhaps if the Village Trustees want to consider how to reduce the size of new homes, they should take another look at the exemptions to the FAR regulations.

Sales:

Scarsdale

18 Kelwynne Road: Magnificent park-like setting in the heart of much desired Murray Hill. Elegance and tranquility greet you as you drive down the long driveway into this extraordinary property with flowering trees and expansive lawns that set a scene of serenity. Entering into this beautiful Colonial you will discover a sun drenched center hall with 9 ft ceilings throughout the first floor. The beautiful living room features a fireplace with marble surround, while the formal dining room features a fireplace with Delft tiles surrounding it. The modern kitchen boasts a center island and leads to a charming breakfast room overlooking the property. Completing the first floor is a spacious sun filled family room with cathedral ceiling and stunning views of the property and slate patio. 4 bedrooms and 3 baths complete the 2nd floor. There are 2 tax lots.
Sale Price: $3,300,000
Real Estate Taxes: $48,858

81 Spier Road: Captivating new construction has begun by renowned custom builder. Premium finishes and appliances will satisfy the most discerning buyer. Classic 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bathrooms, cedar clapboard and fieldstone colonial will exceed your expectations. It offers 9' ceilings, chef's kitchen with Wolf range, Sub-zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, Thermador wall oven, microwave and wine cooler. CAT wiring for cable and Internet.

Sale Price: $2,400,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD

7 Weaver Street: Perfect modern colonial very rare find. Large family room with fireplace, Large kitchen with Sub-Zero Refrigerator, Viking Stove and black granite counter tops. Large deck to beautiful yard and two-car garage. Perfect family home.

Sale Price: $947,000
Real Estate Taxes: $18,732

Greenburgh

4 Azalea Court: A stunning new Colonial beautifully situated on a perfect level half acre down a long private driveway off a Cul de sac. This home is both sprawling and intimate with a constant interaction between the exterior and interior spaces. Three stories of spare-nothing living distinguish this 6,100 square foot home equally suited to modern as it is to country or traditional. The many special features include: a grand entry hall, two staircases, striking second floor landing, gorgeous kitchen including a butler's pantry/mud room/laundry room, and an exceptional master bedroom suite with a dressing room/walk-in-closet/enormous bath. Additional features include a walk-out lower level with a playroom, media room, changing room and bath, as well as direct access to the yard. Outdoor amenities include a pool, a hot tub, multiple decks, and beautiful lush landscaping across the front, back and all sides of this striking and inviting home.

Sale Price: $1,975,000
Real Estate Taxes: $54,235

31 Sheridan Road: An exquisite blend of house and property. Stately Colonial offers delightful indoor/outdoor spaces for comfortable everyday living and fabulous entertaining. Beautifully crafted and meticulously maintained 1930s home combining classic architectural style and high standard of quality with fabulous modern amenities. Stainless steel/granite kitchen; renovated baths; four fireplaces; hardwood floors; finished walk-out lower level; and huge rear deck. Gorgeous in-ground heated pool, stone patio, cabana, and flat backyard embraced by manicured lawns, lush landscaping and mature trees. Private, utterly serene 1.1-acre setting.

Sale Price: $1,450,000
Real Estate Taxes: $42,061

31 Robin Hill Road: Modern living in the open floor plan of this young raised Ranch. Double story entry to expansive living room and dining room with sliders to large deck. New kitchen with center island, granite tops and stainless steel. Sun pours in from every window. Two bedrooms, hall bath and master bedroom with master bath completes the first floor. The lower level, above grade, has a spacious family room with fireplace, bedroom or office and full bath and laundry. Large two-car garage. Huge flat private yard recently landscaped.

Sale Price: $841,000
Real Estate Taxes: $24,098

Featured Listings:

27 Aspen Road, Scarsdale: Bright and spacious five-bedroom home in Quaker Ridge with generously sized rooms. New kitchen (2009) with granite counters and high-end appliances, furnace/HVAC (2009), hot water (2011), roof (2012), windows, lower level tile floor, master bedroom with built-ins and new master bath, as well as new hall bath and lower level bath. Located near Aspen Park, on a level .38 acre property with a private backyard and two patios. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,350,000

1144 Post Road, Scarsdale: This exceptional English Cotswold home, completely renovated by interior designer/owner, is an exquisite masterpiece with too many details and enhancements to list. First floor has the requisite family room adjacent to the kitchen; an office/work area off the living room; four sets of French doors leading to the exterior terraces and the privacy of the backyard and surrounding gardens. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom. The master bathroom is truly exceptional. Architect's plans/suggestions for a garage included in the sale. This special home is a must-see for discerning buyers. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,295,000