Zoning board continues request to put above‑ground pool in Colonial Drive front yard

The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 24 continued a variance request for a 15‑foot above‑ground pool proposed in the front yard of a Colonial Drive property, asking applicants to return with revised plans that show any proposed decking and fencing.

The applicants told the board that the property’s backyard contains the septic system and that the front yard is largely exposed ledge, leaving the front yard as the only practical installation site. One applicant said the ledge makes the front yard effectively invisible from the road and that the backyard drops off sharply, which constrained their siting options.

Board members and staff questioned whether an eventual deck attached to the pool would create a new encroachment that might require a separate variance; the building official and commissioners advised the applicants to submit a single, complete plan (pool plus any deck) so the board could review the full proposal. The building official explained that decking and other attachments could change setback implications and that the building department evaluates structural integrity and fencing during the permit process.

Applicants said they had paused work when they learned a variance was required; they indicated willingness to provide engineering and surfacing details (gravel/sand specification was discussed) and to follow building‑department guidance on fencing. The board moved to continue the application to the next scheduled meeting so the applicants could present revised plans and surveyed setbacks.

What happens next: applicants were advised to update plans and the survey to show any proposed deck, and to resubmit in time for the Nov. 14 meeting or to request an extension if needed. The board noted that any larger intrusions beyond the approved plan would require returning to the ZBA for additional approval.