Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council asks planning commission to draft dewatering rules for pool construction
Summary
Bethany Beach council authorized the planning-and-zoning commission to research and draft amendments to chapter 500 to regulate dewatering practices during in-ground pool construction, citing high local water table, erosion risk and impacts to neighboring properties.
The Bethany Beach Town Council voted to authorize the Planning & Zoning Commission to research and draft code amendments addressing dewatering during in-ground pool construction.
Mr. Rush told the council that "because of the high water table in town, dewatering is sometimes required in connection with construction of inground swimming pools," and that chapter 500 currently lacks specific regulation for dewatering. The proposed work will produce a white paper and a draft ordinance with best practices and enforcement language so code officials have clear, enforceable standards.
Council discussion focused on the town’s ability to require dewatering in some locations and on potential seasonal prohibitions similar to those used for pile driving. As Mr. Rush explained, the aim is to give code-enforcement staff "some thing they can enforce" rather than rely on goodwill.
The motion to permit the commission to proceed with research and drafting passed by voice vote; council asked staff to return with a draft ordinance once the commission completes its study.
