Ross ADR recommends approval of pool variance at 47 Poplar Avenue

The Town of Ross Architectural Design Review Committee on March 18 recommended that the town council approve a variance to allow a new in‑ground pool and an insulated mechanical closet in the rear setback at 47 Poplar Avenue.

The applicant, identified in the meeting simply as Mark (the homeowner), told the ADR that his 52-foot-wide lot leaves only a small buildable footprint and that the proposed pool location minimizes disturbance to neighbors and preserves an existing Japanese maple and a patch of natural grass. Alex (planning staff) summarized the request: “the homeowner at 47 … is requesting a variance. Their project is proposing to construct a new in ground pool in the rear yard. The pool equipment will be located within an insulated mechanical closet.”

The applicant provided a site plan showing the pool partly within the buildable area and the mechanical equipment in an insulated closet attached to a planned ADU. He told the ADR he had consulted neighbors and pointed to existing landscaping — a privet hedge now about 7 feet tall that the applicant expects to grow to roughly 12 feet — that will screen the pool and equipment.

Neighbors who spoke at the meeting expressed support. Kyle Rosso, owner of 45 Poplar Avenue, said he and his wife had reviewed the plans “in detail, my wife and I, and in full support of his plans.” Tim Hill, who lives immediately south of the site, said he had “no issue” with the proposed equipment location and welcomed the project.

Multiple ADR members voiced support for the variance as drawn. Joey Buckingham, ADR member, said he generally opposes pool equipment in setbacks but supported this proposal because the property backs onto public tennis/pickleball courts and is therefore less likely to create a new noise nuisance: “I think this property is unique, especially with the tennis court slash pickleball courts just behind it.” Other ADR members echoed that the configuration keeps the pool farther from neighboring homes and preserves existing trees and lawn space.

Discussion items recorded in the transcript included whether the pool could be rotated to avoid side setbacks (the applicant said the tree canopy and the home’s layout made that infeasible without significantly altering the usable yard), and whether the mechanical closet could be relocated to reduce noise (the applicant said the equipment could be moved to other storage locations on the ADU, but that the current placement was chosen to minimize disturbance and provide direct access).

The ADR’s recommendation will be forwarded to the town council with a staff report; a town council decision on the variance was not recorded in the ADR transcript.

The applicant and supporters emphasized screening and an insulated equipment room. No formal vote count was recorded in the ADR minutes included in the transcript; the committee discussion showed several members explicitly stating support and no public opposition recorded at the meeting.

The town council will receive the ADR recommendation and the planning staff report for a final decision.