Chatham Board of Health Delays Decision on Swimming Pool Setback Variance
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Chatham Board of Health meeting, discussion centered around a variance request for the construction of a swimming pool on Bay View Road. Owners Jason Hall and Jill Zelikus, represented by a consultant from Ryder and Wilcox Inc., sought a three-foot variance from the required 20-foot setback between a leeching pit and the proposed pool. Concerns about the variance led to the decision to revisit the proposal at the May 4th meeting after reconsideration of the pool’s design and orientation.
The variance request involved positioning a new swimming pool closer than the mandated 20 feet from an existing septic system, with the proposed design leaving only a 17-foot gap. The board debated the possibility of a design adjustment to comply with the established setback requirements. Suggestions included reducing the pool’s length or reorienting it to fit within the existing parameters. The consultant expressed willingness to discuss these options with the property owners and return with revised plans.
Additionally, the board addressed the ongoing issue of grinder pumps required for certain properties. It was reported that approximately 1,200 grinder pumps would be necessary, with the town providing them at no cost to residents who need them. A reimbursement program was also discussed for residents who had already installed pumps at their own expense. The board voted to lift the moratorium on enforcement related to grinder pump installations and will inform the select board of this decision.
Jill R. Goldsmith
Board of Health Officials:
John Beckley, Noble Hansen, M.D., Ronald Broman, Carol Boyce, Dr. Richard Edwards, Edward Sheehan, Carol Gordon, Jeffery S. Dykens (Select Board Liaison), Judith Giorgio (Staff Liason)
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Meeting Type:
Board of Health
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/13/2026
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Recording Published:
04/13/2026
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Duration:
21 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Barnstable County
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Towns:
Chatham
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