St. Albans council advances ordinance to allow anchored swing sets, trampolines in front yards

The St. Albans City Council voted to advance a zoning-code change concerning accessory structures, moving a Planning & Zoning recommendation on Article 13.33.03 to the ordinance stage, a step that will allow the council to craft specific standards for outdoor play equipment in front yards.

Council members took up the matter after residents raised complaints that existing rules required some families to move swing sets and trampolines out of front yards. Supporters said the proposed change responds to those concerns and to families’ safety and accessibility needs; opponents cautioned about property impacts and enforcement.

The discussion focused on anchored play equipment and setbacks. Multiple speakers said the change would allow play equipment to remain in front yards under conditions, and during the debate council members referenced setback measurements and anchoring requirements. One council member asked how the city would enforce setback limits when a structure was found to be a few feet out of compliance. Another council member said the Planning & Zoning recommendation will be translated into an ordinance for precise language, inspection and setback requirements.

The motion to accept the Planning & Zoning recommendation and move the Article 13.33.03 proposal into ordinance form carried. Council member Bill Knight was recorded as the sole nay vote; the mayor declared the motion carried.

Council members said the ordinance form will be returned for further review and formal adoption; specific distances, anchoring methods and any exemptions (for example, for lots without side yards) will be specified in the ordinance draft.