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Augusta BZA approves private swim‑lesson home‑occupation with safety limits
Summary
The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals on July 20 approved a home‑occupation permit allowing private swim lessons at 410 Scotts Way, subject to daytime hours, limits on total persons per session and other conditions after the applicant and staff addressed board safety questions about Izzy's Law, certification and pool maintenance.
The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals voted July 20 to approve a home‑occupation permit allowing private swim lessons at 410 Scotts Way, contingent on staff‑recommended conditions including daytime hours, limits on total persons per session, on‑site parking restrictions and the requirement to obtain a local business license.
Planning staff presented the request (BZA26‑17) and recommended approval with conditions, noting the applicant had submitted a Department of Public Health aquatic safety plan and American Red Cross first‑aid and CPR certifications. Applicant Amelia Lovello told the board her lessons would focus on children under 15, be by appointment only, consist primarily of 30‑minute, one‑on‑one sessions and, for proficient swimmers, may include up to two siblings at once. “My lessons will be 1 on 1 lessons with, so there'll be 1 teacher, myself, and 1 child,” Lovello said, adding that she requires swim diapers for children who are not yet toilet trained and that parents may attend sessions under Izzy’s Law.
Board members raised public‑safety and public‑health concerns. Yvette Williams pressed staff and the applicant on compliance with Izzy’s Law and asked whether the board had previously approved swim‑lesson home occupations; staff said they were not aware of prior approvals specific to private swim instruction in accessory structures. A separate board member asked about a plan in the event of pool contamination; Lovello said she maintains a professional pool service and would suspend lessons until the pool was serviced. Staff clarified that their recommended cap on “four individuals per session” was intended to mean total persons present (for example, two students plus two guardians) and said the business‑license process addresses insurance requirements.
After discussion a motion to approve the request subject to staff conditions carried (show of hands; recorded in the meeting as seven in favor, two opposed). The applicant was told she must obtain a local business license and the necessary site/building approvals prior to beginning operations; the board will mail the formal decision letter.
The approval permits lessons to operate during daytime hours by appointment, with limits on individuals per session and a requirement that associated parking use the driveway and curb spaces directly in front of the property. The business must comply with all applicable code provisions, and the applicant indicated she will obtain liability insurance as part of the business licensing process.
