Regulations maintaining the health and safety of public swimming pools and spas are established by the State of Texas and are located in the Texas Administrative Code. Local jurisdictions adopt local ordinances that implement these regulations along with local amendments. In the last legislative session, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code was adopted as the new standard for pool regulations in the State.  As a result, the State modified the Texas Administrative Code to match.  The City now must amend the  Environmental Health ordinance to reflect the State's new standards. 

This ordinance amends the Code of Ordinances to synchronize the City's health and safety regulations for public swimming pools and spas with State law.  The City's ordinance will continue to include some local amendments, primarily related to permitting, plan review, and inspection processes.  There are two notable changes from the current regulations:

1) Adoption of regulations for "artificial swimming lagoons." This is included in State law, but was never adopted by the City. Adopting this will prepare the City in the event a developer proposes to construct an artificial lagoon. 

2) Adopting the State's fence height requirement for pool enclosures (fences).  The State requirement is a minimum of 4 feet, while the City's ordinance currently requires 6 feet.  The new ordinance will require a minimum of 4 feet for pool enclosures, which is typical for surrounding communities. This will apply to any future fence installations. 

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 - Health and Environment, Article VIII, Division 4 related to swimming pools, spas, lagoons and public interactive water features.  

I make a motion to adopt Ordinance No. _____________ amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 - Health and Environment, Article VIII, Division 4 related to swimming pools, spas, lagoons and public interactive water features.