Minutes 12-09-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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pavers. I was told that given the fact that we have disconnected structures (e.g., there are no pipes draining the water off our lot), and that our pavers have a low impact on water quality, according to state regulations, we would be permitted to have both the pavers and the pool. On October 29, 2014 I spoke at length with Bradley Bennett and was again encouraged to files for a variance. Both Mr. Randall and Mr. Bennett said they would be happy to speak with someone about these issues. More recently, in September and October of this year I've exchanged emails, and spoken with Michael Harvey, Supervisor of Planning and Inspections at Orange County. On October 20, 2014 my husband and I met face to face with Michael Harvey in the Planning and Inspections Department at Orange County, and he shared that although the impervious surface restrictions of this watershed area have been re-visited in recent years, updates have not been made. Furthermore, he provided us with a memorandum dated September 4, 2014 that was submitted by him and Craig Benedict to the Board of County Commissioners regarding state guidelines on what constitutes an impervious surface. In the report it states the State Environmental Management Commission (EMC) consider as permeable "Permeable pavement materials include porous concrete, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, concrete grid pavers, porous asphalt and any other materials with similar characteristics."(p.2 of report.) With the help of Wesley Pool in the Orange County Erosion Control division I looked at the GIS of my land. Based on the topography of my land, the storm water collects in the middle of my land, where there is a natural dip in elevation. During times of high precipitation, a small stream forms across the length of my backyard. We have 10 acres of land, with nothing covering the ground aside from our house, a short driveway, and the pervious pavers. It is hard to understand why we can't also have a pool on our land. I have tried explaining this predicament to family and friends (and my children) as they look out upon all my acres of open land, and they are stunned. We have paid over $13,000 in property taxes each year and will pay over $14,000 in property taxes for 2015, yet we can't use our land for the enjoyment of our family. This seems unjust. We respectfully ask that you consider our request for a variance, and allow us enough impervious to install a pool. This would require approximately 350 square feet for the coping around the pool. If our pervious pavers we not counted against us, we would have plenty to do this. Thank you for your time and consideration, Janel D. Sexton Emails sent and received from 2013: Dr. Sexton: This is an issue under review by the County Commission at this time. Your input is important and concerns understood. I have forwarded your inquiry to Craig Benedict our Director of Planning and Inspections. He may follow up with more specific requests for information.