Waverly panel moves pool rules into zoning, debates temporary‑pool permits and safety standards

City Planner Robin Caufman presented a proposal to relocate the city's existing pool ordinance into the zoning code under a new general‑standards section to make pool rules more visible to residents.

"The current ordinance exists outside the zoning code," Caufman said, and the move would place pool regulations under a zoning section for clarity and easier public access. Commissioners then discussed specifics of how temporary and permanent pools should be treated.

Commissioner Wayne Quigley said some neighboring cities treat short‑term pools differently. He reported that Watertown designates temporary pools with "a one‑time $75 fee" and no building permit so long as the pool is set up and taken down in the same location annually. Quigley asked whether pools only up for three months should require the same permitting as permanent structures, comparing them to shed regulations.

The commission debated the 5,000‑gallon capacity threshold used to distinguish larger pools. Chair Brent Mickolichek expressed enforcement concerns, saying residents could claim they do not fill a pool to its maximum; the commission agreed to rely on manufacturers' capacity specifications to resolve that ambiguity.

Members also discussed safety and fencing: reducing fence height from five feet to four feet to match neighboring communities, allowing removable ladders so qualifying pools might avoid permanent fencing, and ensuring combined pool height and fence meet safety standards. Caufman also recommended adding licensing language for private pool rentals offered through commercial services so rental operators meet licensing and safety rules.

On utilities and drainage, commissioners requested striking a blanket ban on filling pools from fire hydrants in favor of requiring water to be run through meters. They also agreed pool water should not be discharged directly onto streets or adjacent properties but could be routed over lawns to reach storm systems.

Commissioner Quigley asked for time to review a revised draft before a hearing; the commission agreed to move the public hearing from May to June to allow additional review.