Two front yards?

July 8. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Planning Board will decide if a Cornelius property may have a swimming pool in the front yard.

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 is requesting a variance from Chapter 5 of the town’s Land Development Code, to allow for the placement of a pool in the front yard facing Delray Drive, which essentially runs parallel to Nantz.

“Our Land Development Code requires accessory structures to be placed in the rear or side yard,” said Senior Town Planner Aaron Tucker. “As a result Lomartire’s plans were denied by the town, but he is appealing, asking for a variance which would permit the front-yard pool.”

Details

The focus of the appeal is on the town’s definitions of rear, side and front yards. The proposed pool does meet the minimum setback requirements, Tucker said. “However this property has frontage 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.”

Not In My Front Yard?

In his appeal, Lomatire states that “Neither of my 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 further states that the hardship he is experiencing did not result from any actions taken by him and that the proposed pool would not be visible from Delray Drive.

The Planning Board will conduct the public hearing on his appeal acting as the town’s Board of Adjustment. The meeting will commence at 6:30 pm in Town Hall on Catawba Avenue.