Greenville adopts two ordinances tightening rules for private and zoning of swimming pools

The Greenville City Council unanimously adopted two ordinances on April 16 tightening placement and safety requirements for swimming pools.

Ordinance No. 24‑07 amends Section 46‑83 of the zoning code to define regulated pools as any pool, spa or hot tub—portable or permanent—with capacity exceeding 50 gallons and depth of two feet or more. The ordinance prohibits pools within front yards and requires pools to be at least six feet from side and rear lot lines and at least six feet from any building. The motion to adopt was moved by Councilperson Lehman, seconded by Councilperson Johnson, and passed 7–0.

Ordinance No. 24‑08 amends Section 8‑30 (Private Swimming Pools) of the building regulations to clarify construction and maintenance requirements. It requires that electrical wiring for pool equipment conform to the state electrical code, prohibits wires crossing directly over the water surface, mandates permanent, solid lighting fixtures near pools and requires that city water connections be protected against backflow by an air gap discharging at least six inches above maximum pool or makeup-tank water level. Councilperson Lehman moved adoption, Councilperson Moss seconded; the ordinance also passed unanimously 7–0.

Both ordinances include a publication clause directing the city to publish in the Daily News and state that each ordinance will become effective 15 days after adoption provided it is published.

The minutes do not record substantive public testimony at the public hearings held immediately before the votes. The ordinances change both zoning placement rules and building-level installation standards, clarifying responsibilities for property owners and contractors.