Planning Commission recommends aligning pool‑safety code with state standards for powered covers

The Cedar City Planning Commission recommended a change to the city's pool safety ordinance after a staff presentation and public comments. Staff proposed adding language that when a pool is equipped with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346, a fence would not be required. The language change was presented as a way to bring city code into alignment with current state standards and industry testing criteria.

Commissioners and members of the public asked how the covers behave when not engaged (for example, whether they close automatically and whether they can safely support weight). Staff and a city attorney explained the state standard focuses on maximum gap size (children cannot fit through) and load‑bearing performance, and does not currently require a self‑closing/self‑latching gate equivalent for powered covers. Commissioners discussed liability if a cover were left open or inoperative and were told liability depends on maintenance and whether a property owner met applicable requirements.

Following the public hearing, Commissioner (not named in the transcript) moved to positively recommend modifying ordinance 26‑4‑9 to permit powered safety covers that meet ASTM F1346 in lieu of a fence. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; the chair called for 'Aye' and no opposition was recorded on the audio record. Staff said the amendment grew out of a board of adjustments item and is intended to update aging code language to reflect available safety technology and state rules.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the next step in the ordinance amendment process for formal adoption consideration.