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Board denies pergola/setback and lot‑coverage variances at 281 Pine Street
Summary
The board denied two variances for a motorized pergola at 281 Pine Street after staff noted the structure would count as part of the principal building and push lot coverage above the 45% threshold; the applicant said the structure is open‑air and would remove pavers and add Trex decking.
The Community Development Board voted to deny CVAR25‑0027, an application seeking relief to install a motorized pergola that would be treated as part of the principal structure and increase lot coverage at 281 Pine Street.
Planner Kevin Oster explained the request: the pergola would effectively be part of the primary structure, reducing a side-yard setback to approximately 1 foot and increasing lot coverage from about 44.8% to an estimated 53.7%. Applicant Julie Liles said the pergola is open‑air, includes a gutter system to daylight water to the curb, and that they planned to remove existing brick pavers and install Trex decking to improve perviousness.
The board discussed whether the pergola should be treated as impervious; one member called the 45% coverage threshold a hard ceiling because exceeding it triggers on‑site stormwater requirements. Several board members said they did not see statutory grounds that would support the requested variances. A motion to deny the variances carried by voice vote.
The applicant may adjust the design or pursue a permit that conforms to the 45% limit and setback requirements.
