Bullhead City board approves front-yard pool and 5-foot pool barrier at 1192 Juanita Lane

The Bullhead City Board of Adjustments voted 2-1 to grant variance B26-001, allowing a property owner at 1192 Juanita Lane to install a swimming pool in the front yard and a pool barrier that meets the building-code non-climbable height requirement.

Staff presenting the application told the board the house and site topography "leave no space" elsewhere on the parcel for the pool, due to retaining walls and the way the lot steps down toward the river. Staff said the contractor planned a five-foot, non-climbable barrier anchored to existing retaining walls and made of metal posts with privacy planking to meet code while minimizing visual impact.

Contractor Cole Labriola described the barrier as "a version of wrought iron" with horizontal composite (Trex) planks or a privacy mesh attached to metal posts so the finished top meets the height requirement while providing privacy. Labriola said the finished distance from the patio to the barrier is about 16 to 18 feet on one end and roughly the same on the other.

Neighbors objected during public comment, saying a solid privacy-style fence would significantly reduce several river views. "Going 5 feet on top of 4 is basically 9, which is pretty crazy for a, you know, smaller street," said neighbor Rick Schmidt, who lives at 1190 Juanita Lane and urged an open wrought-iron solution. Staff replied that the building code requires a non-climbable barrier and that whether the owner chooses wrought iron or a horizontal-plank privacy approach is the homeowner's choice so long as the finished barrier meets code and passes building inspection.

Board members evaluated the property under the city's variance criteria, asking whether strict application of the zoning ordinance would deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by similar lots and whether granting the variance would affect public health or safety. After deliberation, the motion to grant the variance was moved and seconded; the board recorded the vote as Jacqueline Edge, aye; Krista Felt, aye; Keny Kripp, nay. The chair declared the motion carried.

The approved variance allows placement of the pool in the front yard and a finished pool barrier that meets the minimum non-climbable height and other building-code requirements; any elements of the barrier that are not code-compliant must be repaired or replaced before final inspection. The board adjourned after closing the hearing.