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Commission forwards variance request for pool decking that exceeds city fill limits
Summary
The commission recommended a variance to allow concrete decking around a pool at 671 Butler Oaks after staff said proposed decking requires about 9.3 feet of fill, exceeding the city's 4‑foot limit; the commission discussed options to cut into grade or add buffering and voted to forward the request to city council.
The Bulverde Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward to City Council a variance request from Jane and Robert Pavlik that would allow concrete decking around a swimming pool and associated fill that exceeds the city’s four‑foot fill limit.
City staff described the request as a variance to section 17.04.0.004 of the city code (the fill ordinance) for a 1.1‑acre property at 671 Butler Oaks. Staff told commissioners the proposed maximum fill for the decking area is approximately 9.3 feet above natural grade, meaning the applicant seeks roughly an additional 5.3 feet beyond the code limit.
Commissioners discussed site topography and looked at precedent cases where pools were approved on steep lots. Speakers noted the lot backs to a cul‑de‑sac and appears to have substantial elevation change and tree cover; staff said the pool footprint could be screened from neighbors depending on placement and buffering. Participants discussed construction techniques — for example, digging into the grade rather than adding fill — as ways to reduce the amount of required fill.
After discussion, the commission moved and passed a motion to forward the Pavlik variance request to city council. Staff will include elevation drawings, setback and buffering information in the council packet as the request moves forward.
