Board grants 3-foot setback variance for Coppola Drive pool

The City of Lorraine Board of Appeals on Aug. 6 approved a variance allowing David and Priscilla Bertholdt to place a swimming pool three feet inside the required 10-foot lot-line setback at 4591 Coppola Drive.

David Bertholdt, the property owner, said the lot is narrow and a full 10-foot setback would leave insufficient space between the pool and an existing storage shed. “I’m asking for the variance of 3 foot so that I would have that. My neighbors were contacted, and they don’t have any problem,” Bertholdt told the board.

Zoning staff confirmed the application and said there were no objections on file. Board members asked whether the pool would be above-ground or in-ground; Bertholdt said it could be either, though homeowner association rules likely would require an in-ground installation. The board received no public comment on the request.

A motion to approve the variance passed by voice vote, and zoning staff advised Bertholdt that he would receive formal notice and that the building-permit application would proceed now that the zoning variance was granted. The owner asked whether additional paperwork was required and staff confirmed the usual permit processing would follow.

Why it matters: The ruling relieves a narrow-lot constraint for a private homeowner; the board approved the limited setback intrusion after confirming neighbors raised no objections and that the installation will follow building and zoning permit processes.