Planning board approves variance to allow pool cabana with plumbing at 6277 Southwest 12th Street

The Planning & Zoning Board approved variances Wednesday that will allow a detached 537‑square‑foot pool cabana with a bathroom and outdoor cooking area at 6277 Southwest 12th Street.

Applicant Juan Carlos Gonzalez described the proposal as a family‑oriented cabana and said the house’s lot and layout limit options for placing support structures. “We have tried to make this a little bit different… we really want to make the most use of the space in the backyard so that we can really enjoy the pool area and the kitchen area,” Gonzalez said.

Under the proposal, the board approved a reduction of the required rear setback from 15 feet to 6 feet 7 inches and a reduction of the side setback from six feet to approximately 4 feet 1 inch for the proposed accessory building; the application also requested permission to include plumbing (a bathroom) in the detached structure, which the code normally restricts. Staff confirmed there is an existing water easement and that the project layout leaves required easement access.

Board members questioned whether the applicant had demonstrated the level of hardship typically required for a variance and suggested less intrusive design alternatives such as rotating bathroom plumbing to share plumbing with an adjacent barbecue area. After discussion a board member moved to approve all variances; the board took a roll‑call vote and recorded four yes votes (board members present), passing the motion 4–0.

The applicant was advised to coordinate required permits and to ensure the design preserves easement access for utilities.