Board approves smaller pool enclosure setback after homeowner says moving pool would cost six figures

The Tampa Variance Review Board granted a variance lowering the required screen-enclosure setback from 5 feet to 3 feet for 3914 West Tacon Street during the same 2025 public hearing.

Homeowners Jacqueline and (spelled in the packet) Ellet/ Ouellette told the board their pool and surrounding waterline predated their 2016 purchase and that a contractor estimate to move the pool by 12 inches exceeded $137,000. Ellet said she had discussed the proposal with adjacent neighbors Ben and Susan Stevens, who did not object to the reduced setback.

Ellet described survey lines showing the pool water line sits roughly five feet from the property line; the requested setback reduction to three feet would place the proposed enclosure just inside the pool edge while leaving some space for maintenance access. She asked the board to consider alternate, smaller setback reductions if the board preferred — noting 12 to 18 inches of relief would avoid moving the pool.

Staff and the board discussed precedent and the city comprehensive plan’s recognition of private property rights; staff reminded the board that variances must still meet the five criteria in Section 27-80 of the city code. Natural Resources, Transportation and other reviewing departments found the request consistent with conditions in the staff packet.

A board member moved and the board approved the variance, with the motion noting the pool existed prior to the applicants’ purchase and that the immediate neighbor had no objection. The public record shows a voice vote in favor; no roll-call tally was specified during the hearing.

The approval allows the enclosure to be constructed at the reduced setback as depicted on the site plan presented at the hearing; any final permitting and inspections remain subject to normal permitting requirements.