The Holmes Beach City Commission passed its ordinance on two pools per duplex Nov. 10 with a vote of 4-1. Commissioner Carol Soustek dissented.
The ordinance, the topic of much debate over the past several months, passed its final reading with little discussion.
Under the ordinance, duplex owners in the R-2 district — mostly between Gulf and Marina drives —will be allowed to have two pools or hot tubs per lot. Each pool or hot tub is allowed to be as large as 180 square feet, measured from the interior walls. Unified duplex owners, an owner of both units, are allowed to have one large pool, not to exceed 360 square feet in surface area.
If the duplex changes ownership, city planner Bill Brisson said new owners would be required to abide by the ordinance.
“I don’t see very many of these,” Brisson said of the larger pool option being installed for two duplexes. “We’re trying to avoid adversely affecting the residents.”
Soustek voted against the ordinance, saying she doesn’t support allowing two pools on one lot.
“I think we pretty much beat this one with a stick,” Chair Judy Titsworth said, adding that she appreciated the last-minute change allowing unified owners to build a larger pool. “Anything to help the residents,” she said.
Commissioner Pat Morton motioned to approve the ordinance with Commissioner Marvin Grossman seconding.
The ordinance went into effect Nov. 10.
Commissioners will next meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
— Kristin Swain