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BZA tables request to exceed 40% impervious surface at 501 Huntmere amid drainage and hardship concerns
Summary
The Board tabled a request to increase impervious surface to 6,838 sq ft (requested 10% over the 40% cap) for a new house and pool at 501 Huntmere. The applicant presented a three-drywell mitigation system and estimated cost (~$10,000) but acknowledged lack of a demonstrated hardship. The board voted 5-0 to table the application.
Jonah Wakser, representing Chase White, asked the BZA to grant a variance allowing 6,838 sq ft of impervious surface on a 13,676 sq ft lot at 501 Huntmere — 1,368 sq ft above the 40% cap (5,470 sq ft). Wakser described a three-drywell mitigation system intended to capture pool and hardscape runoff and said he "overdid the amount of overflow" to ensure it would be handled; he estimated the mitigation system cost to be about $10,000. Building Director Eric Tuck-Macalla and Law Director Mark Barbour told the board mitigation can be considered but does not replace the need for a hardship-based variance.
Board members pressed for plan details (equipment pads, shed locations, exact pool/runoff calculations) and noted the applicant purchased the property before the ordinance took effect but could not show a hardship that would justify the increase solely for additional concrete. Given open questions about equipment, accurate scaled drawings, and whether the mitigation plan had been formally approved by building, the board voted to table the application (motion by Jan Saurman; second Tricia Rhea) 5-0 to allow the applicant to revise plans or reduce impervious coverage.
