HomeMy WebLinkAbout01032002 BSC Agenda Item 9 i •
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 / -l
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 type 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, 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 forward the amendment to City Council with a favorable recommendation of
passage.