Luxury beachfront home with pool.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – The Board of Commissioners Wednesday, June 1 introduced an ordinance amending its zoning ordinance to include new requirements for building swimming pools.
Ordinance 2022-08 includes changes to Chapter 167 as recommended by the borough’s Planning and Zoning Board.
Provisions include requiring fences around in-ground swimming pools and hot tubs, but such fences are limited to a height of 4-6 feet, and for properties next to alleys, the area abutting the alley shall be considered the front yard. All pool and hot tub areas must have self-closing and lockable gates placed at least 3 feet from the water.
Pools must be set back from the property line at least 5 feet, hot tubs setback at least 4 feet, and for lots on the ocean or bayside, the minimum setback is 3 feet. A setback of 10 feet is required if the pool or hot tub is in front of the principal structure. The ordinance also requires a 3- to 4-foot-wide exterior walkway around the pool.
The ordinance prohibits above ground pools.
The ordinance requires the property owner to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy following a satisfactory inspection by the Construction Code Official.
Officials discussed the possibility of further amending the ordinance to prevent placing a “bladder” in the street to filter groundwater during pool construction. Nearby Margate City recently changed its ordinance to prohibit pool construction between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
According to Solicitor Michael Affanato, making additional changes would delay the vote on the original amendments. Officials, including Planning and Zoning Board Chairman Tom McAllister, agreed to continue with the ordinance as introduced, and make any other changes at a later time.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at Longport Borough Hall, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
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