Ross ADR recommends approval for 40 Upper Road pool and terrace plan

Ross’ Architectural Design Review panel recommended that the town council approve the design review and hillside-law permit request for 40 Upper Road, which would add an infinity pool, terraces, a wood deck and retaining walls held to 6 feet or less.

The project team told the ADR that ‘‘the project has received approval to merge the 2 lots,’’ which removes the need for previously requested variances, and that the submission increases impervious surface by about 2,400 square feet while proposing a new 172-square-foot bioretention area to mitigate stormwater runoff. Designer Xiaojian Chong said the retaining walls were regraded so that no wall exceeds the six‑foot threshold and that plantings and evergreen screening will reduce visibility from adjacent properties.

During technical review members asked whether the on‑site story poles reflect the current pool elevation and whether the pool equipment would be enclosed. Chong replied the poles match the current design and described a cement slab with a wood enclosure to conceal equipment for sound and aesthetic reasons. She also said the team adjusted a pathway and small retaining detail to make grading work within the six‑foot limit while keeping the pool accessible from the house.

Several ADR members praised the effort to limit wall heights and to screen visible equipment; no members of the public spoke in opposition during the meeting. Multiple members stated they could approve the design as submitted, with one member saying, "I think it's a great project, and good luck to the owners." The ADR’s recommendation will be forwarded to the town council for final action.

What happens next: the ADR recommendation is advisory; the town council will consider the design-review and hillside-law permit application, and staff will include the ADR recommendation in the council packet.