St. Mary's Board of Appeals approves setback variances for Heinz family pool in Hollywood

The St. Mary's County Board of Appeals unanimously approved two setback variances Thursday, allowing homeowners Kevin and LaShawn Hines to install a 14-by-28-foot in-ground pool at 24367 Broad Creek Drive in Hollywood.

County planner Nick Colvin told the board that the applicant seeks two variances: a reduction in the required separation between a principal structure and an accessory structure from 10 feet to 5 feet, and a reduction of the 10-foot rear property-line setback for a pool to 6 feet. Colvin said the parcel is 7,577 square feet, developed with an existing single-family home and a two-tiered deck; because the proposed disturbance is under 5,000 square feet the project is exempt from stormwater management and soil conservation requirements.

The applicants told the board the lot’s narrowness and the existing two-tier deck—installed before they purchased the home—make complying with the standard setbacks impractical. Kevin Hines said the narrower pool would be unsafe and that pool contractors advised a minimum width of about 14 feet. Hines also said the property has neighbors with pools and an existing six-foot fence along the sides.

Board members asked detailed questions about the site plan, existing deck geometry and whether the pool decking would be measured as part of the accessory structure. Colvin clarified that measurements are taken from the pool (the accessory structure) and not from the pool deck. No written comments were received and no members of the public spoke at the hearing.

After deliberation a motion to approve the variances was made and seconded; the board voted unanimously in favor. The board’s order will be prepared by staff and signed within 60 days; a 30-day appeal period to circuit court follows the signed order.

The decision allows the Hineses to proceed with building the proposed pool subject to usual permitting and inspections.