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Oconomowoc council narrows pool permitting, exempts small spas and seasonal pools
Summary
The Common Council approved amendments to city zoning rules that exempt seasonal pools and small permanent hot tubs/spas under 144 square feet (13.5-foot round) from building permits while keeping electrical, fencing and decking work under permit review.
The Oconomowoc Common Council on Sept. 2 approved an amendment to the city zoning code that exempts certain seasonal pools and smaller permanent hot tubs and spas from requiring a building permit.
City planning staff presented the text amendment, Ordinance 25-01104, explaining the threshold: any aquatic facility over 144 square feet will require a pool/building permit; facilities at or below 144 square feet are exempt. The ordinance also specifies that round permanent pools 13.5 feet in diameter or less are exempt, and that electrical work, fencing and decking connected to any aquatic facility still require permits.
Jason Gallo, planning department staff, said the change is intended to remove ambiguity in the code and reduce unnecessary permit inquiries: “Right now, all permanent pools do require a permit,” he said, and the amendment would allow smaller spas and seasonal pools to proceed without a permit while preserving safety-related permitting for electrical and related work.
Alderman Jennifer Altman Cloth voiced philosophical opposition to adding permitting requirements in general: “I’m not gonna support this… I think it’s petty. I think it’s, I’m just personally not a fan of just layering on the extra permit,” she said, while acknowledging the ordinance’s intent to clarify rules.
Other council members said the change would make the ordinance clearer for residents and reduce routine calls to staff. Council moved to approve the ordinance, waive a second reading and adopt the amendment; the roll call was unanimous.
The amendment was drafted after staff research (the planning department intern, Daisy Quinlan, contributed research cited by staff) and is intended to standardize which pools and spas require formal review. The ordinance keeps oversight for installations that typically involve electrical work, heaters or permanent decking—items that can present fire or safety risks if installed without inspection.
The ordinance is effective following the council’s adoption and will be reflected in the city’s zoning code and guidance to residents. Staff said the change is likely to reduce calls to the planning department about small or seasonal pools by making the rules explicit in the code.
Action: The council approved Ordinance 25-01104 (first reading presented, motion to waive second reading and adopt passed by roll call).
