A little over a month into a building moratorium in Holmes Beach, a second halt has been enacted.
The administrative moratorium, which became effective immediately, prohibits the issuance of permits on pools closer than 10 feet to a property line. It is planned to last no longer than three months.
Commissioner Marvin Grossman, who called for the building moratorium on homes with four or more bedrooms in the R1, R2, R3 and R4 zones, also called Feb. 24 for the pool moratorium.
“I feel you have to stand up sometimes. It will take a couple of months at the most,” he said.
Grossman said he is concerned pool permits will “flood in” as the commission discusses adding regulations for vacation homes. He it could exacerbate drainage issues in neighborhoods.
The vote passed 4-1, with Commissioner Jean Peelen dissenting and city attorney Jim Dye recommending against the move.
“An emergency moratorium should be used in dire straights and I don’t see it,” said Peelen.
Peelen said she would like to have more discussion. She added that complaints she’s heard about drainage dealing with new construction are not as a result of swimming pools.
Dye said he agreed with Peelen, the public should have been notified and some research conducted by the city planner.
“I read the agenda and I didn’t come thinking there would be action on a moratorium. It’s a strong action to take without notifying the public,” he said.
Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said, “I don’t think we’re going to offend many people with 10 feet,” she said.
— Jennifer Glenfield