Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jefferson County zoning board approves reduced setback for corner‑lot pool at 1721 Springbrook Drive
Summary
After testimony from the homeowners and staff recommendation to deny, the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a modified variance for case ZB250003 to allow a pool to sit 7 feet from the side property line on a corner lot, with a voice vote carrying the motion.
Jefferson County — After testimony from the applicants and staff, the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment on a motion approved a modified variance allowing an in‑ground pool to be located 7 feet from a side property line on a corner lot at 1721 Springbrook Drive.
Staff member (Speaker 3) opened the presentation on case ZB250003, describing the property as a roughly 0.3‑acre single‑family lot in the R‑7 zoning district and saying the applicant originally requested a reduction from the UDO’s required 15‑foot corner‑lot setback to 6 feet. “So staff does recommend denial of the request, from 15 feet to 6 feet along the side property line,” Speaker 3 said, arguing the petition was inconsistent with the intent and integrity of the Jefferson County Unified Development Ordinance and could cause “detriment to the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.”
Chase Fisk (Speaker 6), who identified himself and provided an address to the board, and homeowner Erin Knight (Speaker 7) testified in favor of flexibility. Knight said the homeowners were willing to work with the board and asked about alternative placements: “We would prefer it be in that side front yard, but we were told that we can't. So we're willing to work with you guys,” she said. The applicant and homeowners described an existing aluminum fence (about 48–52 inches tall) and said they were willing to reduce pool size or shift the footprint toward Greystone Drive to create more separation from the property line.
Board members questioned staff and the applicants about the lot geometry and the UDO’s uniqueness standard; staff noted that double‑fronted corner lots are specifically addressed in the code and that the term “unique” in variance analysis is usually reserved for features such as unusual topography or irregular lot shapes. The board discussed practical options — sliding the pool footprint forward, moving it toward Greystone, or reducing pool dimensions — and reviewed site measurements referenced by the speakers, including a pool footprint described during testimony as about 32 by 16 feet.
After discussion, a board member (Speaker 2) moved to approve ZB250003 with the setback reduced to 7 feet (rather than the requested 6 feet); a second was made by another board member (Speaker 4). The board approved the modified variance by voice vote and the chair declared the motion carried.
The board entered letters from neighbors and the homeowners’ association into the record as Exhibits C and D in addition to Exhibit A (Jefferson County Code of Ordinances, chapter 400, Unified Development Ordinance) and Exhibit B (staff report and case file). The decision allows the applicants to design and place a pool consistent with the granted 7‑foot side setback; the board discussed that final placement and building‑code compliance (including fence and gate requirements) will be resolved through permitting.
The meeting then moved to routine items: the board confirmed there will be no February meeting due to a holiday, nominated and affirmed Lynn Edwards to continue in an officer role, elected a vice chair (Herb), and adjourned.
Next steps: the variance approval permits the applicants to submit for building and pool permits consistent with the 7‑foot setback; applicants must satisfy the county building code and permit conditions before construction begins.
