York County Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

The York County Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on August 14, 2026, to consider a variance request related to a residential pool setback at 249 Lorain Road, Fort Mill. The applicant sought a 1.6-foot waiver from the 10-foot side setback requirement for a pool that was constructed closer to the property line than initially permitted. The discussion focused on the accuracy of property line surveys, the timing of the as-built survey that revealed the encroachment, and the challenges in meeting the four legal criteria required for granting a variance. The pool contractor and property owner explained the circumstances leading to the setback discrepancy, including reliance on an older survey and physical markers such as a tree and fence line. Board members debated the merits of the variance, weighing the intent to comply with regulations against the uniformity of the neighborhood and the potential precedent set by approval. Ultimately, the board voted to deny the variance application due to failure to meet all required findings. The meeting also included procedural clarifications and a call for improved education on variance criteria for applicants.