Peters Township board denies Cunningham request for pool-house lot-coverage variance

The Peters Township Zoning Hearing Board on Monday denied a request from Ashley Cunningham for a variance to exceed the 15% lot-coverage limit to construct a 676-square-foot pool house at 107 Trenton Circle.

Planning Director Garrett King told the board the property sits on about a half-acre lot with a steep rear slope and a stormwater pipe along one side; the application sought an additional 1.3% lot coverage (roughly 300 square feet) beyond the 15% maximum, and staff noted the proposed footprint would be two stories as seen from the rear and one story from the house. King said typical de minimis relief would be 0.5% or less and that the proposed size exceeded that threshold.

Applicant Ashley Cunningham and contractor Terrence Cunningham testified the larger structure was meant to create usable flat yard space and to address a safety concern: "We have 3 children. The last thing we wanted is another 1 to fall down that hill," Terrence Cunningham said, explaining the plan would move pool supplies and include a bathroom so children could stay outside without running inside the home.

Board members discussed alternative, smaller footprints and the way lot coverage is calculated (covered structures only); after testimony closed a motion to approve the variance failed and the board then voted to deny the variance. The board said a written decision with findings and conclusions will be posted within 45 days and that affected parties have 30 days to appeal to the Washington County Court of Common Pleas.

The board attached standard conditions in its deliberations, including a requirement to obtain a building permit and to begin permitted activity within one year if the variance were to be implemented; any additional lot-coverage requests would require a new variance.