Watertown Council Rejects Proposal for Reduced Fence Height Around Pools Amid Safety Concerns | Local News

{KXLG – Watertown, SD} The Watertown City Council, during its second reading of an ordinance zoning text amendment regarding swimming pool regulations, voted down a proposal that would have allowed for a reduced fence height around pools equipped with automatic safety covers. The motion, which sought to amend Chapter 21.29 of the city’s revised ordinances concerning swimming pools, failed to pass.

City Planner Carla Heuer presented information to the council…

Under the current Watertown ordinance, a six-foot fence is required to enclose a swimming pool completely. The proposed amendment would have allowed for a four-foot fence if the pool also featured an automatic safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 specifications.

Heuer noted that this change aimed to align Watertown’s ordinance more closely with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), which combines barrier requirements with safety covers to allow for lower fence heights. She also mentioned that some other communities in the area have adopted similar standards.

No one testified during the public hearing. However, a discussion among council members followed. Councilman Danforth expressed strong opposition to the change, emphasizing that the primary intent of pool fences is child safety…

Danforth followed up that he doesn’t want to look back in regret…

Councilman Tupper and Councilman Buhler echoed concerns about safety. Buhler confirmed with Heuer that someone would be out of compliance if this were not passed.

Councilman Tupper commented that it is better to be safe than sorry…

Councilman Peters pointed out that the proposed language stated the fence “shall not be less than 48 inches,” meaning homeowners could still choose to build a higher fence. Mayor Holien acknowledged the safety concerns but also raised questions about the extent of regulation versus homeowner responsibility…

Ultimately, the motion to approve the amendment failed, meaning the current six-foot fence requirement for swimming pools in Watertown remains in effect.

The vote was recorded, with Councilman Tupper, Councilman Danforth, Councilman Schutte, and Councilman Buhler voting against the amendment, and Councilman Peters, Councilman Jurrens, and Mayor Holien voting in favor. The final tally indicated the motion did not garner enough support to pass.