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Zoning board clears pool and site work with expanded infiltration plan; fence easement issue resolved
Summary
The board approved appeal Z26-16 for a backyard pool and decking on June 16, with conditions requiring an expanded infiltration trench system (back and front), routing downspouts into the trenches, and removal or relocation of a fence from a sewer easement; final designs must be approved by the township engineer.
The Lower Makefield Township Zoning Hearing Board approved a pool project (appeal Z26‑16) on June 16 after applicants agreed to a larger stormwater mitigation plan and to remove a fence encroaching on a sanitary sewer easement.
Applicants Nathan Simcox of Hydroscape Pools and homeowner Kira Sherbakova explained the property had an existing non‑conforming impervious coverage (discussed as roughly 32%) and that the proposed pool decking and hardscape would raise coverage further. The design team proposed an infiltration horseshoe trench behind the pool and additional trenches or downspout routing in the front yard to capture roof and surface runoff.
Board members questioned whether existing driveway pavement and other hardscape could be reduced and pressed the applicants to route roof leaders into the new trenches. Dan from the code department and the contractor explained trenches and downspout rerouting could be sized so the project is remediated to the agreed target (the motion calls for reducing to 15% effective impervious after mitigation) and that the township engineer will confirm calculations.
A separate issue — an existing chain‑link fence running inside a 30‑ft Aqua sanitary‑sewer easement — prompted township counsel to say the township would oppose if the fence remained in the easement; applicants agreed to remove or revise the fence alignment so it will not encroach. With that commitment and with engineered mitigation plans to be submitted and approved, a board member moved and the board approved the appeal, conditioned on final engineering and inspections.
The motion requires infiltration trenches behind the pool that 'horseshoe' the decking, downspout routing (including additional front‑yard trenches or trench drains where needed), and design and installation approved by the township engineer. The variance request for the sewer‑easement fence was withdrawn (applicants agreed to avoid encroachment). The board recorded the motion and approved it by voice vote.
