Pennsbury commission recommends Board support for Bulava pool variance, asks for coverage clarification

Chairperson Dennis Smith recommended that the Board of Supervisors support a zoning variance for 2A Colonial Drive after a presentation from the applicants and their contractors. The applicants, property owners Adam and Jinna Bulava, sought relief from the 15% maximum impervious-coverage limit in Zoning Ordinance Section 162-503.C(1) to install a residential swimming pool, coping, decking and an equipment pad. The application lists an expected coverage of 18.5%; the minutes also record the property current coverage as 14.99% and a possible recalculation that could increase the proposed coverage to as much as 19.4%.

Andrew McFarlane, identified as the owner of California Pools, and Darrell Sabocsik, identified as a California Pools permit coordinator, presented the technical aspects of the proposal on behalf of the Bulavas. The commission noted that the property lies within 500 feet of a historic structure; the applicants agreed to maintain screening between the properties. After discussion the commission voted to recommend Board of Supervisors support, contingent on clarification of how impervious coverage is calculated for the proposed deck. The motion was made by Chairperson Dennis Smith, seconded by George Trammell, and passed unanimously.

Next steps: the recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for its consideration; the minutes do not specify when the Board will hear the application. The commission record identifies the calculation discrepancy as the outstanding item to be resolved before final approval by the Board.