Chrissy: Variance for a pool cage
Answer by: Hsiang (03/31/11)
Question: Your question was hi, not sure who to ask! i live in a new gated community in vero beach fl. most of the homes have pool cages. my particular home doesnt have enough "set back" by about a foot or 2 for approval of a pool cage. this has been a lifelong dream to have one. how can i best present my case for a variance?i need a hardship? i hear they dont give any! any advice is appreciated.
Answer: Hi Chrissy,
Thank you for your question,
Well, where there is a will, there is always a way! This is why there is a variance process after all. But, from what you have told me, I don’t think reason of hardship would be a good direction since after all it would be hard for you to justify that not having a pool cage will create hardship for you unless you have some specific disability that you haven’t mentioned.
Instead I would look in the direction of making compromises of some sort, zoning and set back restriction usually have to do with general aesthetic of the neighborhood, are there anything you can do that will contribute to making the neighborhood nicer? Nicer and more upscale finishes or perhaps planting to conceal the size of the pool cage?
You’ll need to talk to a local architect who’s familiar with the variance process, since only they will know the proper way of dealing with your zoning board since every single one is different. It won’t be easy but it can be done.
Good luck on getting your pool cage!
_Hsiang Lin, AIA LEED AP
Thank you for your question,
Well, where there is a will, there is always a way! This is why there is a variance process after all. But, from what you have told me, I don’t think reason of hardship would be a good direction since after all it would be hard for you to justify that not having a pool cage will create hardship for you unless you have some specific disability that you haven’t mentioned.
Instead I would look in the direction of making compromises of some sort, zoning and set back restriction usually have to do with general aesthetic of the neighborhood, are there anything you can do that will contribute to making the neighborhood nicer? Nicer and more upscale finishes or perhaps planting to conceal the size of the pool cage?
You’ll need to talk to a local architect who’s familiar with the variance process, since only they will know the proper way of dealing with your zoning board since every single one is different. It won’t be easy but it can be done.
Good luck on getting your pool cage!
_Hsiang Lin, AIA LEED AP
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Guido Tenaglia
LEED AP
LEED AP
Guido Tenaglia has over 15 years of experience in the architectural profession and has worked on a variety of projects including corporate, retail & professional office installations.He received a Master of Science in Architectural Science from the University of Buenos Aires School of Architecture & Urbanism. Also had Post-Graduate courses in Architecture & History in the Universita IUAV of Venezia Italy.Mr. Tenaglia is Leed Accredited Professional ,meaning that he has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building practices.Also he is a member of the Buenos Aires Board of Architects(CPAU).
Hsiang Lin
AIA, LEED AP
AIA, LEED AP
Hsiang Lin is a registered architect in the State of New York with 12 years of experiences and holds the NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)certificate, which signifies that he has met the profession's most objective standards of competence.He received a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and graduated with the Dean's Citation Honor and is a LEED accredited professional from USGBC (United State Green Building Council).