BZA approves height variance for pool house at 120 Ashley Drive

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 12 approved an 8-foot height variance to permit an accessory pool house at 120 Ashley Drive to reach a maximum height of 23 feet.

The pool house application, presented by Rob Myers, was described as primarily serving pool equipment and a small living/changing area. Myers said the structure includes a framed cupola to improve interior ceiling height and bring light into the living area: "The client has directed us to build a pool and pool house," he told the board, adding that the cupola windows "will be seen from underneath."

Board members pressed the applicant on alternatives and whether the cupola was strictly necessary. Myers said removing the cupola would still leave the roofline above the 15-foot limit, and that the building’s length, interior functions and the design relationship to the main house drove the proposed proportions. The board discussed neighborhood context and lot size; one member noted the house sits on nearly four acres and that the pool house will not be visible from the street.

Chair (name not specified) moved to approve the variance, reading the motion aloud: "I make a motion to approve an 8 foot height variance for an accessory structure to permit a pool house with a height not to exceed 23 feet." The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The variance approval applies to the accessory structure as proposed; board members said they judged the request against neighboring lot sizes and sight lines rather than against smaller, tighter lots elsewhere in the village.

The applicant confirmed trees will be removed only where necessary and that the pool edge will be roughly 35 feet from the main house. The board did not attach additional conditions beyond approving the variance.

The pool house application was heard as BZA Case No. 25-01.