The Knoxville City Council held a discussion Monday about changing the zoning definition of swimming pools. City code enforcement officers proposed a change to international code, which would require fencing around backyards with permanent pools. Interim City Manager Heather Ussery says that while the inherent risks of owning a pool is the same whether it’s permanent or temporary, the council felt requiring fences was too much.

“Our current definition of the code dates back to the 80’s. As we know, pools have changed over the past 30 years. We wanted to be able to renew that and give a definition that includes all different types of pools. The definition that was proposed also included adopting the international code, which has regulations in regards to fencing. Fencing was the main topic of discussion. It was back and forth in deciding and agreeing on if fences should be part of that. Overall, the conclusion was that they did not want to require fencing for temporary pools.”

No action was taken on the item, and the code enforcement team will draft a new ordinance for discussion at a future meeting. Hear a recap of Monday’s Knoxville City Council meeting on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.