Backyard pool setback variances
Summary
The board keeps approving the same pool setback variances, and the city is drafting a zoning code amendment to set a 5-foot setback between buildings with an engineer's letter. The change has to go through Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, so it's still at least a couple of months out.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 4, 2026.
Impact analysis
Homeowners pursuing pools under the current rules bear engineering-letter costs; a code change could make the process cheaper and faster for everyone.
Pool homeowners in Rockport who would no longer need individual variances once the code change passes.
The Luau Lane owners cannot build their pool as designed.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Aug 4, 2026
The board keeps approving the same pool setback variances, and the city is drafting a zoning code amendment to set a 5-foot setback between buildings with an engineer's letter. The change has to go through Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, so it's still at least a couple of months out.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Jun 25, 2026
Two homeowners asked to build pools closer to homes/property lines than zoning allows. The board held both to the state-law hardship standard, denying one and postponing the other.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - May 28, 2026
The city adopted a subdivision-wide variance (Key Allegro Design Code Article 27) for pool setbacks, but front-setback requests like the Luau Lane one keep coming. Councilmember Brundrett urged the board to remember the ongoing friction between city code and the island's special rules.
Related development
Backyard pool setback variance, 415 Augusta Dr.
The owners get another chance at a July meeting without reapplying.
14 Luau Ln. pool setback variance
The family cannot build the pool as planned.
15 Luau Lane front setback variance
The owners must redesign the house or pool plan to meet the standard 20-foot setback.
Pool setback relief, 474 Augusta Dr.
If granted, the relief would allow a pool to be built at the property line, deviating from the standard setback that normally separates pools from neighboring lots.
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