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Planning commission recommends new 10-foot setback for pool-related structures, removes pool equipment/storage from the setback rule
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a code amendment adding 10-foot setbacks and new height-measurement rules for pool-related structures (slides, jump structures, water features and diving boards) but voted to remove pool equipment and storage structures from the specific setback requirement; recommendation passed unanimously.
The Alpine City Planning Commission on July 1 voted to recommend a code amendment establishing setback and height standards for pool-related structures, but removed pool equipment and storage structures from the new setback paragraph.
City Planner Ryan Robinson said staff is proposing to revise multiple zone sections to define "pool-related structures" (slides, jump structures, water features, diving boards) and require they not be placed within a 10-foot setback of property lines or recorded easements. "Basically what it does is it gets them out of... it says they can't be within a 10 feet setback of the property line," Robinson said, explaining the change is to reduce safety and nuisance concerns when tall play structures sit right on a lot boundary.
Commission discussion focused on whether pool mechanical equipment and pool equipment storage should be included in that 10-foot setback. Commissioners noted small pool pumps and equipment are often treated like sheds under current rules and may be quieter than older units. Jeff Davis, who identified personal experience with pools, proposed allowing enclosed equipment to follow existing shed standards (which vary with height and square footage) and suggested striking "pool equipment and storage structures" from the sentence that defines related facilities. "If we struck pool equipment and storage structures... it would just be subject to our current ordinance about storage sheds," Ryan Robinson said.
Commissioner Davis moved to recommend approval of the amendment (referenced in discussion as 02025-110) with a specific change: remove the terms "pool equipment and storage structures" from the relevant paragraph so such equipment remains regulated under existing storage-shed provisions. Greg Butterfield seconded; the commission voted unanimously to recommend the amendment with that change.
The amendment also clarifies how heights of slides and similar structures will be measured (from average finished grade to the roof/ridge point or tallest point of the structure) and notes that structures are not permitted within recorded easements. Staff said enforcement of new standards will operate through standard code-compliance processes and that noncompliant structures built without permits could be red-tagged and required to come into compliance.
