Planning for a Swimming Pool in Summit, New Jersey

Has your family been discussing the possibility of improving your property by adding a swimming pool? If so, you might be planning to begin construction in the fall before the ground gets too cold, or in the spring just before you can begin using the pool during the hot days of summer. Or, you might be planning to have your existing pool repaired, or you may be considering moving from an above-ground pool to an in-ground pool. In order to put in a new swimming pool or make any modifications to an existing pool, however, you will need to obtain both a construction permit and approval under the City of Summit Municipal Code.

What should you know about Summit municipal laws and swimming pools? Our Summit land use lawyers can provide you with more information.

What Counts as a Swimming Pool?

Almost anything that you are envisioning as a swimming pool, or any modifications you are planning to an existing pool area in Summit, will likely meet the definition of a swimming pool. Under the Municipal Code, a swimming pool means a:

“[B]ody of water in an artificial or semi-artificial receptacle or other container whether located indoors or outdoors, used or intended to be used for public, semi-public or private swimming by adults or children, or both adults or children, whether or not any charge or fee is imposed upon such adults or children, operated and maintained by any person as herein defined, whether he be an owner, lessee, operator, licensee or concessionaire, exclusive of a family pool as defined herein, and shall include all structures, appurtenances, equipment, appliances and other facilities appurtenant to and intended for the operation and maintenance of a swimming pool, and also all swimming pools operated and maintained in conjunction with or by clubs, motels, hotels and community associations.”

Requirements for a Swimming Pool in Summit

In order to have plans for a swimming pool approved, you will need to submit your plans to a construction official in order to receive a permit. Before you can obtain the construction permit, you will need to have approval from the Health Department and, potentially, other departments or boards of Summit. To determine where you must submit your plans and all of the approvals you will need, you should reach out to a Summit land use lawyer today. The specifics will depend on the details of your plans.

In addition, the City of Summit will likely require the enclosure of your swimming pool. The Municipal Code states that:

“Every outdoor swimming pool or family pool shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than four (4′) feet in height, which shall be so constructed as not to have openings, holes, or gaps larger than four (4″) inches in any dimension except for doors and gates; and if a picket fence is erected or maintained, the horizontal dimension shall not exceed four (4″) inches.”

There are then additional requirements for the design and construction of the enclosure.

Contact a Summit, New Jersey Estate Land Use Attorney for Assistance

Have you been considering the possibility of renovating an existing swimming pool in your yard or adding a swimming pool to your home? If so, you cannot do so without obtaining approval from the appropriate parties within the City of Summit. When you seek approval, it is extremely important to have one of the experienced Summit land use and zoning lawyers at Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan representing you. The process for obtaining any type of land development approval or renovation approval can be complicated and stressful, especially appearing before the board. Our firm can assist you throughout the process, and we will be there at each step. Do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about how we can assist you and help you to get the land use approval you need. Contact Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan today for additional information.

Source:

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