Ross ADR recommends 51 Shady Lane redesign to council, finds variances supportable

The Ross Architectural Design Review panel voted to recommend that the town council approve a redesign at 51 Shady Lane that demolishes an existing 345-square-foot nonconforming pool house, transfers that floor area to the main house, shortens and relocates the pool, and adds modest landscape and accessory features.

Town staff described the proposal as seeking a recommendation for design review, a nonconformity permit and variances. Planning staff said the new pool will measure 16 feet by 43 feet and that the project also proposes a bluestone patio, trellis, outdoor fireplace and a pervious driveway to access covered parking.

Homeowner Gita Sturetz told the ADR the project team had met with neighbors and secured support; she said nearby residents had recommended the proposed pool placement and that neighbors offered to help evaluate potential impacts to an oak tree. "We met with them this morning, and they were also in full support of the project," Sturetz said.

Landscape architect Michael Eandle summarized design changes since the prior review: the pool was shortened from 50 feet to 43 feet and pulled back seven feet (now 18 feet from the property line); removal of an arbor and reconfiguration of terraces reduces perceived bulk; and the special lot configuration and prior findings support the requested variances. ADR members repeatedly noted the lot is unusual (surrounded on three sides by road), that few neighbors are immediately adjacent, and that the changes do not appear to increase adverse impacts on light, air or privacy.

Deliberations: ADR members (including Steven Sutro, Laura Dewar and chairing member Joey Buckingham) said they were generally supportive of the pool relocation and massing. Members discussed the trellis and patio, which sit in a nonconforming area; some members questioned the hardship rationale but ultimately concluded the lotconfiguration and neighbor support allow findings for the variances. Joey Buckingham summarized that the panel had a three-member approval to forward the project to town council and that the council will make the final determination on the trellis.

Next steps: ADR will forward a recommendation to town council for design review, the nonconformity permit and requested variances. The council will make final decisions on outstanding elements such as the trellis.