HomeMy WebLinkAbout02072002 BSC Agenda Item 6 • •
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE
MEMORANDUM
To: Building and Standards Commission
Subject: Chapter 6 Section 6.563 - Setbacks, location, etc.
Prepared by: Dennis Mack — Chief Building Official
SYNOPSIS: Chapter 6 Section 6.563 requires swimming pools to be set back from a
property line not less than a distance equal to the vertical depth of the pool that is
nearest and adjacent to the property line.
BACKGROUND: The wording in this section has led to problems in the past. We
have been challenged as to the setback requirement of pools, with the owner claiming
the setback is only one foot if they build a one foot deep ledge along the edge of the
pool nearest the property line.
Clearly, this was not the intent of this section and in addition, a one-foot setback would
cause a serious safety problem, therefore I have ruled the setback was from the
deepest part of the pool in these types of cases.
For this reason, it is my request the wording in section 6.563 be changed to require a
five (5') foot minimum setback from all property lines and a (3') foot minimum setback
for access around the pool, thus allowing for adequate setback from a property line and
sufficient maneuvering room around the edge of the pool for safety.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Building and Standards Commission
request the City Attorney prepare an amendment to Chapter 6 Section 6.563 that
requires setbacks for swimming pools be a minimum of five (5') feet from all property
lines and a (3') foot minimum setback for access around the pool. Additionally, staff
recommends the Building and Standards Commission to forward the amendment to City
Council with a favorable recommendation of passage.
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Appendix A
Sec. 6.563. Setbacks,location,etc.
All outdoor swimming pools shall comply with the full 4w_ip regulations,which apply in lieu of
other similar requirements elsewhere in this Code: Ott1VJiU�,
(1) No part of the.446 c�le wall�wimming pool may be closer than five feet to•any property line. • - - . -- -•• • - - - •. . -
wall nearest the Iine1
(2) Adjacent to at least 70%of the perimeter of each swimming pool,there must be a
walkway,deck,apron or other footpath that is: (i)open and unobstructed, (ii)at
least three feet wide, and(iii)designed and maintained to allow rapid access to
the water's edge for lifesaving,testing and maintenance.
that line. However,the setback distance from the rear lot line of a corner lot shall
and adjacent to the rear lot line(i.e., an Bight foot depth nearest and adjacent to
lot line).
(3) A walkway,deck or apron around the perimeter of a pool may be constructed in
the area :=- == - ... . • . . : within five feet of a property line that, if
it is contiguous to the pool coping nd designed,to avoid water drainage to (0F)01-1--
adjacent property. ()QjC,t raarce �,Tl° 1 .4D5 ( cl
(4) No pool,pool apron, deck,walkway,pool equipment, or other appurtenances
may be placed or constructed in or on any easement.
(5) The owner must provide,with his application, an on-ground staked survey, by a
registered professional engineer or licensed surveyor, of the lot locating the lot
corners, all property lines,the utility or other easements and the pool location on
the lot prior to a permit being issued for such construction.