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Olivette commission approves pool and decking at 465 Bowood Court
Summary
The Olivette Planning & Community Design Commission unanimously approved a site-plan petition to add an in-ground pool and decking at 465 Bowood Court, after staff and the petitioner described mitigation for setback encroachments and stormwater concerns.
The Olivette Planning & Community Design Commission voted unanimously on April 16 to approve a site-plan/community design petition to add an in-ground pool and decking at 465 Bowood Court, subject to staff conditions.
Staff told the commission the application exceeded the department's 5% administrative flat-work threshold (though it remains under the 10% maximum for accessory structures) and that some proposed flat work extended into required yard setbacks. Staff said the petitioners had added mitigation measures, including a drain tile system, a detention area and a landscape bed to direct surface water toward the street and reduce downstream impact. "In this case, we find that the petitioner has, you know, recognized what they're doing and going into those setback areas beyond our administrative code processes," staff said.
Homeowner Sarah Burkhart, who spoke for the petitioner, told commissioners she had discussed the proposal with neighbors on the south, west and southwest sides and said safety and privacy were priorities. "I feel like the probably the biggest concern, at least for us as homeowners, was child safety," she said, adding the family planned an automatic pool cover and evergreen landscaping for privacy.
Commissioners clarified technical points: existing patio area counts toward the flat-work percentage, driveways are excluded from the flat-work calculation, and pools are calculated under a different formula for stormwater (staff noted the pool footprint is counted at 50% for stormwater purposes, and the pool lip and connecting flat work are handled separately). Commissioners also questioned whether fences or guardrails would be required for grade changes, and staff said guardrails may be necessary where walkable surfaces have drops greater than 3 feet unless landscaping mitigates the hazard.
A motion to authorize approval of the petition as presented in the Department of Community Development memorandum dated April 16, 2026, "subject to any staff conditions noted therein," was made and seconded; the commission approved the motion on a unanimous vote.
The next step for the applicant is the standard permitting process; staff indicated the building permit application will follow the commission's action.
