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Commission backs pool-and-spa code amendment to keep higher local safety standards
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended an ordinance amendment (item 2026-17) aligning parts of local rules with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code while retaining a higher local requirement: permanent pools without ASTM-compliant covers must have a 6-foot fence; a compliant cover allows a 4-foot barrier. Staff will require manufacturer specs and locked-fence language.
The Watertown Planning Commission voted to forward a proposed ordinance amendment (item 2026-17) that would align local pool rules with the 2024 International Building Code and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPC), while keeping a higher local safety standard in place to protect children.
Planning staff explained the proposed approach: permanent pools that require permits currently must have a 6-foot fence; under the ISPC, a 4-foot barrier is allowed and an ASTM-compliant pool cover can eliminate the barrier requirement. Staff proposed letting a compliant pool cover reduce the barrier to 4 feet but otherwise keeping a 6-foot fence requirement and adding language requiring locked fences and submission of manufacturer specifications to prove a cover meets the ASTM standard.
"If you have a pool cover that meets the ASTM standards, you do not need a barrier at all," Brandy Hannon said while explaining the ISPC approach. Commissioners asked how the city would verify compliance and whether power mechanisms for covers would be secured; staff said applicants must submit manufacturer specs and installation details, and staff would review whether mechanisms were appropriately secured.
Commissioner Olby asked how a "permanent" pool is defined; staff said a permanent pool is one that remains in place more than six months of the year. Commissioners expressed general support for the clarification and emphasized child-safety goals. A motion recommending the ordinance amendment passed unanimously, and the commission will forward the recommendation to City Council.
Next steps: staff will include manufacturer-specification requirements in permit submittals and propose locked-fence language; the City Council will review the commission's recommendation.
