1st Home in NJ, Land use Variance help

[Jonathan Rivera]

Hello all, so I saved up for a house and I’m in the process of purchasing. It’s a solid 3-1 with more than enough space to create a second bath and an attached garage. On the same property, but different lot sits a 3 car garage is simply amazing. It looks just like a show room. Above that sits an addition which was originally in the design I suppose for storage. Two owners ago, they attempted to make it a separate unit without apply for permits and he had to rip the kitchen and bathroom out. The garage already has electrical and plumbing in it. I’d like to finish it, but would have to apply for a variance.

I don't have any experience in application, chances of it getting accepted, etc. The house sit on a lake community and it is zoned specifically for SFH. I understand I can't rent it, but figure A) creating a mother/daughter would improve the property value and B) I have friend/ family that's willing to move in and chip me $1200 a month for it, so while yes I'm technically renting it, it's not an air BNB type of rental or absentee owner which is what the community is afraid will happen.

Both of these are a great win for me as my girlfriend is selling her place and moving in as well. All in all when it’s said and done I’m sitting pretty in a new home paying $300 a month. That’s assuming I can get the variance and create livable space. I’ll be honest and say I’m emotionally attached to the garage and come Saturday after home inspection I’ll post the pics here on this post of the garage and the space and you’ll understand why. It’s just the perfect place to keep the Harley and all the other toys.

Many people have said I should just let it go or leave it as is, but honestly I have more than enough storage with the attached garage and the 6x12 shed that’s outside. The space was designed to be lived in and should be, but I am afraid of the unknown and know that this is a much better community for advice than parents or friends with horror stories.

So my questions are:

has anyone seen a case similar to this before?

Are there any keys to increase my chances of success when it comes to apply for a variance on land use?

How long does it take and can anyone speculate on a success rate?

If just 1 neighbor says no is that an automatic no or is that simply a consideration for the Zoning Board?

Any stories, links to articles, answers, other questions etc would be tremendous appreciated. Stay tuned for those pics!