Board grants small elevation variance for pool deck after inspector inconsistency raised

The Variance Review Board voted May 13 to grant a variance allowing an elevated pool deck at 3809 West Corona Street to be 16 inches above finished grade — 4 inches higher than the 12-inch threshold that would require principal-structure setbacks — and to accept a reduced 5-foot rear-yard setback for that elevated portion.

Why it matters: The application centered on a small difference in deck elevation (about 4 inches) discovered during inspections. The applicant told the board that an initial inspector accepted the deck but a later inspector required grade changes to match an adjacent fence; lowering the deck to satisfy that later inspector would raise the structure above the 12-inch threshold and trigger a 20-foot setback requirement.

Details: The applicant said the pool and lot drainage tie into underground ADS pipe and swales that route runoff to front-of-lot drains. Staff observed the discrepancy between the elevations and recommended that the board consider the inspection inconsistency and the minimal nature of the elevation difference when deciding whether the deck should be treated as an elevated structure requiring principal-structure setbacks.

Board action and rationale: Board members said the contractor—s demonstration and the inspection-history inconsistency supported a variance as a practical solution. The motion noted the board did not view this as a self-created hardship and cited the need to avoid creating a little step-down that would be a trip hazard for the owner—s lanai. The board approved the elevation and setback variance and recorded conditions for construction sequencing to preserve drainage.

Next steps: The applicant will proceed with the approved elevation and submit final permit documents; Natural Resources and Stormwater reviewers remain involved to confirm drainage connections.