During the recent Board of Adjustment meeting held on September 4, 2025, in Delray Beach, Florida, a significant variance request was presented concerning two properties located at 1920 and 1916 Spanish Trail. The properties, which are duplexes divided into two lots, are seeking to reduce the required pool setback from 25 feet to 10 feet, a request that has raised important considerations for local zoning regulations and community impact.

The attorney representing the property owner outlined the specifics of the variance request, emphasizing that the duplexes are situated in a residential medium zoning area, adjacent to single-family homes and across from a plaza. The current zoning ordinance mandates a 25-foot setback for pools, which the property owner argues is impractical given the layout and existing features of the property.

The proposed plan includes the installation of two pools—one for each address—along with a four-foot aluminum perimeter fence and landscaping designed to enhance privacy for both the residents and the surrounding neighborhood. The attorney highlighted that the only feasible location for the pools is what is technically considered the front of the property, which functions more like a backyard due to the property's configuration.

Visual aids were presented during the meeting, including site plans and renderings, to illustrate the intended changes and the rationale behind the variance request. The attorney noted that the current state of the property does not inhibit the installation of pools, but existing structures and a lift station on the property complicate the situation.

The discussion around this variance request is particularly relevant as it reflects broader themes of urban development and community standards in Delray Beach. The outcome of this request could set a precedent for similar cases in the area, especially as the city continues to navigate the balance between residential development and maintaining neighborhood integrity.

As the Board of Adjustment deliberates on this matter, the implications of their decision will resonate within the community, potentially influencing future zoning interpretations and property development practices in Delray Beach. The next steps will involve further review and consideration of the variance request, with community feedback likely playing a crucial role in the final decision.