Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City planning push for pool and spa safety inspections after staff review finds many permits incomplete
Summary
Building official told council many residential pools built in recent years lack final inspections; staff proposed public education, a May pool-safety month proclamation and voluntary compliance effort ahead of potential enforcement steps.
City building officials told the Montgomery City Council on Jan. 14 that a review of recent permits found many residential swimming pools built in the past six years did not complete required inspections, and staff proposed a voluntary outreach and education campaign paired with proclamations for a pool-and-water-safety month.
Why it matters: Officials said uninspected or incompletely inspected pools increase the risk of drownings and other safety incidents. Staff argued outreach and education could bring many homeowners into compliance voluntarily before pursuing escalation or enforcement.
What staff said: Building Official Rick Hanna said his review found 65 pools permitted over the last six years and that only “a handful” fully complied with city requirements; in a small sample of the most recent 24 permits, four were in total compliance and six remained active permits. Hanna proposed that the city adopt a national pool-safety month proclamation in May and a building-safety month proclamation in April, and then execute an outreach campaign. The outreach would include notifying homeowners with open or failed inspections about how to complete required inspections and setting a reasonable compliance timeline (staff suggested a one-year window with interim reminders).
Council questions and staff clarifications: Council asked whether the city would be liable if an incident occurred before inspections were completed. Staff and counsel said they did not believe the city to be directly liable but acknowledged the question would be reviewed further; staff emphasized the first-step preference for voluntary compliance. Staff confirmed permit records identify which addresses have incomplete final inspections and said improved permit tracking and a designated permit technician would help ensure inspections are completed in the future.
Next steps: Council gave staff permission to pursue proclamations and an outreach push aimed at voluntary compliance; staff said they would return with more information should escalated enforcement be required after outreach efforts.
Ending: Council emphasized balancing homeowner relations with public safety, and directed staff to begin education and tracking improvements.
