Home Additions & Pool Planning in Lower Merion, PA

Site Planning That Keeps Your Project Moving

Adding a second-story addition or installing an in-ground pool in Lower Merion isn’t just a design task. It’s a zoning and stormwater challenge. The township has clear rules that control where you can build, how close you can get to the property line, and how you manage runoff. Without the right site plan, even a simple upgrade can stall.
At Padula Engineering, we help you plan around those limits. We work with homeowners adding square footage, expanding outdoor living space, or creating a backyard pool. Our site plans are accurate, zoning-compliant, and built to move through review. That means fewer delays, less stress, and more confidence from the start.

Why Pool and Addition Projects Get Delayed in Lower Merion

Most project delays start with missing details. A layout that overlooks setbacks, fails to account for stormwater, or places a pool too close to an easement is likely to be returned for revision. These issues are common in Lower Merion, where each lot has unique zoning, grading, and drainage challenges.
Even simple features can trigger a full review. A patio extension might exceed your lot’s impervious surface limit. A pool design might not account for required fencing setbacks or water flow direction. An addition could impact trees or exceed height limits if not reviewed carefully.
We’ve seen these problems before. And we design around them from the start. Our job is to reduce surprises and help your project move forward without getting stuck in revisions.

How We Design Plans That Work in Review and On Site

Pools and additions each bring their challenges. One changes your yard. The other alters the home itself. But both need a buildable site plan that fits the space, meets code, and supports good drainage.

Zoning Checks and Lot Review

Before we plan anything, we check your zoning district and property records. That tells us how close you can build to property lines, what your impervious coverage limits are, and what building heights are allowed. We also flag flood zones, slope overlays, or historic area requirements that may affect approval.

Survey Coordination and Existing Conditions

Padula Engineering provides in-house land surveying, so you get accurate base data from the start. We document boundaries, topography, trees, and existing features that affect your layout. That includes utility locations, slopes, and setbacks. With a clear survey in hand, we build site plans that fit both your lot and the township’s code.

Drainage and Stormwater Design

Pools often push a property over stormwater thresholds. Additions do too, mainly if they include patios, steps, or walkways. We calculate impervious coverage early and design BMPs where required. That can consist of subsurface systems, rain gardens, or infiltration trenches. We also document conditions clearly, so reviewers don’t come back with questions.

For pools, we often build custom grading plans that prevent water from collecting at the edge of hardscape or spilling toward foundations. Drainage direction matters, and we get that right early.

Utility Layouts and Conflict Avoidance

Pools often need utility coordination; gas, electric, and water lines. Additions may require sewer upgrades or well setbacks. We map these systems and flag any conflicts with the layout, helping your contractor avoid surprises during excavation or construction.

Buildable Layout and Access Planning

Pool construction requires heavy machinery. Additions need material staging and protected work zones. We plan for all of it. That includes access paths, grading adjustments, and construction envelopes that help your builder move efficiently and safely.

Getting Your Plans Approved Without Setbacks

A project can be well-designed and still fail in review if the paperwork doesn’t meet the township’s expectations. We organize our plans to make review easier by using clear labels, code references, and layouts that answer questions before they’re asked.
If the township returns comments, we address them promptly. We stay involved through review and resubmission, so you’re not stuck going back and forth for months.

Setting Up the Site for a Smooth Build

For pools, the ground needs to be graded correctly. For additions, the foundation must work with the slope. In both cases, the site plan can either help or hold things up.
We focus on practical layouts that fit your space. For backyard pools, that might mean adjusting shape or size to work around trees or utility lines. For additions, it could mean small shifts in placement to improve drainage or limit stormwater impact. These decisions happen early, and they save time during construction.

Common Questions About Pools and Additions in Lower Merion

Often, yes. Even a modest pool can exceed impervious coverage limits. We check those numbers early and confirm the township’s requirements.
We calculate coverage and setbacks using your township zoning district. Every plan we prepare includes a zoning summary.
Not usually. Pools and additions must respect side and rear setbacks. We show these clearly on every layout.
Yes. Paved areas around the pool or additional paved areas count as impervious surface. We include them in your total coverage.
Most reviews take three to five weeks. Delays happen if plans are incomplete or unclear. We work to prevent that.

About Lower Merion

Lower Merion has some of the most detailed development standards in the region. Each neighborhood comes with its own set of zoning rules, and many properties include added restrictions like steep slopes, flood-prone zones, or tree protection buffers.
These factors affect how you can design a pool or addition. A change in grading or a slight increase in impervious surface might trigger a full stormwater review. And if the site plan misses key details, like setbacks or runoff direction, it’s likely to be returned for revision.
The township expects plans that are clear, accurate, and tailored to the lot. That’s why it’s essential to work with a team that knows how Lower Merion reviews projects. A good plan anticipates the process, avoids delays, and helps your project move forward without surprises.

Move Forward With a Clear Plan

Your project shouldn’t stall over missing details. A good plan avoids the back-and-forth and gives your builder a clear starting point.

Padula Engineering designs pool and addition layouts with zoning, grading, stormwater, and survey work built in. If you’re planning to work on your home in Lower Merion, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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