July 9. The Cornelius Planning Board decided that a Cornelius property may have a swimming pool in the front yard, due to an unusual set of circumstances.

Marc Lomartire is building a home at 18300 Nantz Road. The property has two front yards: One on Nantz, the other on Delray Drive. He had been advised by the town that he could not build a pool in either of the front yards.

Senior Town Planner Aaron Tucker said the proposed pool meets minimum setback requirements, but the property fronts on two streets: Nantz Road and Delray Drive. “Both street frontages are considered front yards, regardless of where the functional front of the house is located,” Tucker said.

In his appeal, Lomatire said neither of his side yards allow enough space for the pool. “It cannot be installed on the right side due to setback restrictions and the left side has underground power, gas and water lines,” he said.

Argument holds water

The Planning Board agreed that there was no alternative in this case and also noted that the proposed pool would not be visible from Delray Drive.

The vote was unanimous, 5-0.

In other action

the planners also approved one of two new “monument” signs at the Norman Crossing Shopping Center, which is located just west of I-77 on the south side of West Catawba. This shopping center houses a number of retailers including West Marine, Big Bite’z and Wendy’s.

Monument signs are freestanding signs that are permanently fixed to the ground and showcase retailers in a specific shopping center.