Board approves pool and open‑space variances at 355 Martel Drive after drainage and screening clarifications

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances for 355 Martel Drive that allow a proposed pool to encroach into the 40‑foot rear‑yard setback, reduce required landscape open space and to locate pool mechanical equipment nearer to a side yard than the ordinance allows.

City staff and the applicant described the site as a nonconforming lot (0.91 acres where 1.0 acre is required for the A3 district) with the existing house already close to the rear setback. The applicant’s civil engineer, Alan Eisember (Nowak & Frauze), said the proposed pool largely replaces existing patio hardscape and that the net increase in impervious area is 282 square feet after earlier plan adjustments. HRC engineering staff reviewed proposed drainage improvements, including swales and a leaching basin, and indicated they believe the measures are sufficient for the additional runoff in that rear‑lot area.

Board discussion noted a 2020 variance denial for a similar open‑space reduction at this property and members asked whether the driveway or other existing hardscape could be reduced instead to avoid expanding the existing nonconformity. The applicant said reducing driveway area would impede garage access and that the pool location keeps the pool farther from a neighboring property than that neighbor’s own pool placement.

A motion to approve variances that referenced the plan set and amended net impervious increase was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. The board directed that final plan numbers be clarified on the record and that permit submittals include drainage calculations.

Next steps: applicant to submit final plans with clarified open‑space and impervious figures and required drainage calculations.