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Commission weighs allowing automatic pool covers as alternate barrier; safety standard and enforcement questions remain
Summary
County staff reported that state law now generally requires alarms rather than fences for some pools, and commissioners discussed whether to permit ASTM‑compliant automatic pool covers in lieu of a four‑foot fence. Concerns centered on reliability, maintenance, and ensuring usable barriers without creating loopholes for unsafe makeshift covers.
The commission reviewed a zoning section that currently requires residential pools to be enclosed by a 4‑foot fence and a locking gate. County staff said state law previously required fences but now generally requires a full alarm; local code still requires the fence. The county received requests to allow automatic full‑covers (referenced to ASTM F1346 safety standards) as an alternative to a fence in residential settings.
Why it matters: Pool barriers are a life‑safety matter. Permitting motorized, ASTM‑rated automatic covers could provide a safe alternative to fencing for some homeowners, but commissioners and staff raised concerns about cover reliability, lifespan, manual removal, and non‑standard improvised covers (tarps with cinderblocks).
Key points in discussion: - Staff said several jurisdictions allow automatic covers if they meet ASTM F1346 (applicants suggested power‑actuated, not manual, covers) and in some cities local code still requires alarms and fences in addition to any cover. - Commissioners and members of the public cautioned against eliminating the fence requirement: they said not all covers are equally strong or well‑maintained, and manual covers or makeshift solutions do not meet the safety intent of a barrier. - Staff proposed drafting an amendment that would allow a certified automatic cover meeting ASTM F1346 as an alternative to a four‑foot barrier in residential zoning, with specification of design and operational requirements (for example, power actuation) and possible conditions addressing door/window alarms if fences are removed.
Next steps: Staff will draft proposed language for a zoning resolution amendment that would permit ASTM‑compliant automatic covers as an alternative to fences, include safety and maintenance requirements, and return the proposal for the commission’s consideration. Commissioners emphasized that the amendment should not create loopholes for improvised or non‑certified covers and asked staff to clarify any remaining state law requirements for residential pools.
