Public hearing continues for pool and equipment shed at 253 Nelson; board asks for comparables and shed-size justification

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 27 continued a public hearing on an area variance request from the owners of 253 Nelson Street seeking relief from the city’s maximum combined lot-coverage limit to install a 7-by-13-foot heated, in-ground pool and an equipment shed.

Why it matters: The proposal would raise combined lot coverage from the 40% allowed to about 43% — a 3-percentage-point variance — on a lot the applicant described as already near the coverage limit.

What the applicants said: The homeowner said they chose a modest 7-by-13-foot pool to fit the available yard and that the shed is intended to contain pumps and equipment to reduce noise impacts on the southern neighbor. The applicants told the board they could move the HVAC condensers closer to the larger house if that would help achieve compliance.

Board discussion and requests: Board members asked the applicant to provide neighborhood comparables, preferably via aerial or county-parcel imagery with an overlay showing pool footprints, so the board could compare similar-sized pools and lot-coverages. Members suggested the applicant consider shrinking the shed if possible and justified why the shed could not be smaller. The board also asked staff to confirm lot-size and impervious coverage calculations where tree canopy may obscure imagery.

Next steps: The board left the public hearing open and asked for the requested comparables and a clear explanation of why the shed cannot be reduced in size. The applicant was reminded to keep public notice signage active.

Ending: No vote was taken. The item remains on the Nov. 17 agenda pending the additional materials.