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Oldsmar council approves first reading to standardize pool setbacks, allow higher pool-area lot coverage
Summary
Council passed the first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 to consolidate residential pool standards in the land‑development code: reduce some pool setbacks, clarify side/rear setbacks, and allow up to 65% impervious surface ratio for pool‑related areas (first reading passed 5–0).
The Oldsmar City Council on Feb. 17 approved on first reading an ordinance to consolidate and standardize residential pool setback and lot‑coverage rules across the city’s Land Development Code.
Planning & Development Director Tatiana Childress told the council staff recommended changes to reduce inconsistent rules that have generated frequent variance requests. "We're trying to reduce the rear yard setback from 10 feet to 5 feet to the pool cage, decking or paving from the property line, and 8 feet from the edge of the pool water to the property line," Childress said, adding staff also proposes allowing "up to 65% ISR for pool related areas, excluding water and including decking and paving." She said waterfront lots with seawalls could have reduced setbacks subject to engineering certification.
The ordinance, read by City Attorney Tom Trask at the start of the public hearing, amends multiple sections of the Land Development Code (including accessory-structure and residential provisions) to create a single, consistent standard for pool construction and related impervious‑surface calculations. Childress said the changes are consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and are intended to reduce variance requests while preserving drainage review at permitting.
No members of the public spoke on the ordinance during the hearing. After closing the hearing the council moved, seconded and took a roll-call vote: Vice Mayor Graeber, Council Members Deturzewski, Olmstead, Swagger and Mayor Katie Gannon voted "yes." The ordinance passed its first reading 5–0.
Next steps: the ordinance will return for a second reading and final adoption at a later council meeting. The staff report and supporting graphics were submitted into the record.
