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Planning commission recommends clarifying pool setbacks; measures to be taken from water’s edge
Summary
The Springdale Planning Commission on April 16 recommended approval of ordinance language that clarifies minimum setback distances for swimming pools, specifies measurement from the water's edge, retains a 5-foot minimum adjacent to neighboring properties, and adds a cross-reference for commercial pool screening.
SPRINGDALE — The Springdale Planning Commission recommended approval April 16 of changes to town code that clarify how minimum setbacks for swimming pools are measured and add cross-references for commercial pools.
The commission’s recommended ordinance revision specifies that required setback distances will be measured from the water’s edge rather than from the pool deck or coping, clarifies that where a conservation easement is less than 5 feet the minimum setback from a neighboring property line remains 5 feet, and replaces the word “located” with “constructed” to avoid affecting property owners’ development rights because of a neighbor’s pool. "The language now clarifies that the setback distance is measured from the water's edge, rather than the pool deck or the coping around the pool," said Niall (staff member) during the public hearing.
The commission also removed language about slope stability from the pool setback ordinance after concluding that excavation and slope issues are better handled in the town’s grading ordinance. Staff said the town engineer will bring proposed grading-ordinance language to the next work meeting to address slope stability concerns raised during prior meetings. The commission added a condition to the recommendation to include a new item (item g) that cross-references the town’s commercial recreational-facility standards (10-7-a-4-f) so readers know additional screening requirements for commercial pools apply.
During deliberation commissioners noted that a 5-foot minimum setback is common and that the grading/excavation concerns could affect many types of construction, not just pools. The motion recommending approval was moved by Paul Zimmerman and seconded by Terry Kruschke. The vote was recorded as: Jennifer McCullough, aye; Terry Kruschke, aye; Tom Kinston, aye; Paul Zimmerman, aye; Rich Swanson, aye. The motion passed.
The measure is a recommendation of the Planning Commission; the transcript records the commission’s vote to forward these clarified ordinance provisions for the next steps in the town’s adoption process. Staff will prepare the ordinance text reflecting the commission’s edits and the referenced cross‑reference for commercial facilities.
