Council-bound change would align Washington City pool-fencing rules with state code, dropping 5‑ft block‑wall requirement

Washington City staff presented an amendment April 15 to bring municipal pool-fencing rules into alignment with the Utah-adopted International Pool and Spa Code. The change would remove an older, more restrictive local requirement that mandated a 5-foot block wall around pools and instead require compliance with the state code’s pool-fencing and cover standards.

City staff said the change responds to frustrations from pool builders who face delays when local rules diverge from the state standard. Under the proposed language, a compliant pool cover (meeting a C rating that supports required weight) or fencing conforming to state rules would satisfy city requirements. Staff noted that some state-adopted pool code elements (International Pool and Spa Code) include construction‑site fencing provisions for safety during build-out.

Contractors raised concerns about the feasibility and cost of temporary full‑site construction fencing and the practical enforcement burden for building inspectors. Commissioners asked for clarification on preemption and grandfathering; staff explained the city had been more restrictive but is permitted to be stricter up to the point state law preempts local rules. The commission voted to forward the proposed ordinance revision to city council with staff’s recommended language that references the state Pool and Spa Code.