ZBA schedules site visit and continues pool-house variance at 119 Parmenta Road to May 14

Framingham City’s Zoning Board of Appeals on April 9 continued a variance request to allow a 17-by-22-foot pool-house inside the side setback at 119 Parmenta Road and scheduled a site visit before making a decision.

Applicant Mark Wimblett described a large, sloped lot and a gas‑pipeline easement that he said constrains usable yard space; he told the board the only practical location for a permanent pool-house is the corner shown on the plot plan, adjacent to a retaining wall and septic system. An abutter who identified himself as a civil engineer and resident at 82 Hager Street objected and said the applicant’s installation of the pool and associated retaining wall altered topography to create the now‑claimed “narrow buildable area.” The abutter told the board the lot contains sufficient alternative compliant space and that the applicant’s prior work (the raised retaining wall and pool) created the constraint.

Board members said the competing claims could best be resolved by an on‑site inspection. Members also raised questions about whether the structure would be permanent (concrete slab and plumbing were discussed), about drainage and connections to the septic system, and about whether the Tennessee Gas pipeline easement imposes additional restrictions. The applicant said he welcomed a site visit and that the pool‑house likely would be permanent and may include a bathroom.

A motion to continue the hearing to the board’s May 14 meeting and to schedule a coordinated site visit passed; the board asked staff to coordinate a time and to confirm whether the easement has special restrictions. Board members also asked the applicant to be prepared to show options for less‑permanent installations (sonotube or gravel pad) if the board is concerned about permanence or sewer/drain impacts.

The hearing was continued to May 14, 2025, for further review after the site visit.