The Board of Zoning and Planning on June 25 declined to approve a variance to locate a hot tub 13 feet into the 20-foot Wilshire Drive front-yard/setback at 2667 Kent Road.

Planning staff described the site as a corner lot with outdoor living concentrated along the Wilshire Drive frontage; staff advised the board to consider whether a front-yard hot tub should be allowed given the neighborhood pattern and the possibility of setting precedent. Applicant Thomas Clark, sworn at the hearing, said the corner lot leaves little usable “backyard” and that the proposed location would be screened by an existing fence and arborvitae and be about 20 feet from the curb.

Board members raised concerns about the hot tub’s visibility from the street, the travel height of the applicant’s chosen retractable cover (staff noted the unit’s travel could add as much as roughly 8–9.5 feet in height when raised), and precedent for corner lots. Several members suggested alternate placements within the buildable area that would not require a variance. The applicant agreed he could relocate the unit but said the proposed spot is most convenient to the kitchen and patio.

When the board called for a final vote the motion to approve failed on roll call. The transcript records multiple no votes and the chair stated the motion did not pass. The applicant was told he could revise the location or return with different plans at a subsequent meeting.