Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Setback Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbor objects as homeowner seeks 7‑foot setback relief to add patio apron at 40 Friar Tuck Way
Summary
Homeowners Jeremiah and Tim Tyrrell asked the zoning board for a 7‑foot side‑yard variance to extend a patio apron around an existing pool, citing a steep slope and safety; a neighbor urged denial, saying the change would harm privacy and was avoidable with better planning. The hearing remains open to Dec. 8 for additional materials.
Jeremiah Tyrrell sought a variance to reduce the required side‑yard setback from 12 feet to 5 feet to extend a patio apron around an existing pool at 40 Friar Tuck Way, citing steep slope constraints on his lot and safety concerns at the pool’s deep end. "We would like to extend this pool apron by 5 feet to put some lounge chairs there," Tyrrell said, and added that moving the patio would require expensive retaining walls and removal of trees.
A neighbor, Paul Gebhard, opposed the request in public comment, saying he was not consulted ahead of the permit and arguing the need for relief reflected poor planning. "Bringing this patio within 5 feet of my property, I feel, interferes with my privacy," Gebhard told the board, and he asked that the board reject the variance as it had previously.
Board members clarified that the 3‑ft maintenance apron around the pool is allowed and that the requested relief applies to the additional patio area beyond that apron; the applicant confirmed the pool permit had been approved and that the patio portion required separate zoning relief. The applicant also said the contractor had already poured part of the pool ledge and that the expansion represents roughly 40% of the purple highlighted area shown to the panel.
The board requested a survey, neighborhood comparables (with Google aerial views) and clearer drawings showing the exact area of proposed encroachment and screening options. Public testimony and deliberation on alternatives will continue at the board’s Dec. 8 meeting; the public hearing remains open so the applicant can supply the requested materials.
The request is for an area variance to allow a 5‑foot setback where 12 feet is required (relief requested: 7 feet). No vote was taken; the item will return to the board with the additional documentation the panel requested.
