WARNING: Permit needed for pools and hot tubs

[sockgirl77]

Just thought I'd put it out there that a permit from Planning and Zoning is needed for any pool or hot tub that is 24" deep or more. This includes the little $200 pools from Walmart. And yes, the County is sending people around to check on them. I've personally witnessed people paying fines because they failed to comply with Planning and Zoning.

I know that people buy these things every day. Manufacturers have disclaimers on the boxes alerting people to check with their local government before purchasing.

Here are the guidelines http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/CAG5.pdf.

These guidelines apply to the construction and installation of residential swimming pools, spas and hot-tubs intended for human use and designed to contain more than 24” in depth of water. This bulletin is for information only and may not apply to every pool permit application on every property in St. Mary’s County. Detailed code standards from the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 are attached.

Step 1: See Customer Assistance Guide (CAG) #3
The “On Demand” Process for obtaining a Building Permit for Minor Residential Construction.

Step 2: Permit Issued
Upon issuance of your pool permit you will be provided a Building Permit Placard for you to post on your property to identify the location of the pool construction. You will also be provided with CAG #22 and an inspection application form. Please follow the CAG #22 instructions as they pertain to “staking and flagging the lot,” filling out the inspection application form and paying the inspection fee. The fee and completed form must be on file with the inspection agency prior to requesting your pool inspection.

Step 3: Inspections – Safety Barrier and Electrical Service
Safety Barrier – To pass inspection your pool must be surrounded by a minimum 48” high enclosure. An above ground pool may serve, as its own enclosure providing the pool is equipped with a fold-up or removable steps or ladder. If a fence or deck rail is used to provide the minimum 48” high enclosure it must comply with the dimensional criteria described in the St. Mary’s County Building Code (IRC 2009) Appendix G, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.

Electrical Service – To pass inspection your pool pump and filter must be provided with appropriate electrical service installed by a St. Mary’s County Licensed Master Electrician in accordance with the St. Mary’s County Electrical Code. If, you, as the homeowner wish to install this electrical service yourself you must first apply for and pass the “homeowner’s examination” which is administered by the St. Mary’s County Board of Electrical Examiners.

 

[GURPS]

IMHO here is the reason why:

Step 3: Inspections – Safety Barrier and Electrical Service
Safety Barrier – To pass inspection your pool must be surrounded by a minimum 48” high enclosure. An above ground pool may serve, as its own enclosure providing the pool is equipped with a fold-up or removable steps or ladder. If a fence or deck rail is used to provide the minimum 48” high enclosure it must comply with the dimensional criteria described in the St. Mary’s County Building Code (IRC 2009) Appendix G, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.

Electrical Service – To pass inspection your pool pump and filter must be provided with appropriate electrical service installed by a St. Mary’s County Licensed Master Electrician in accordance with the St. Mary’s County Electrical Code. If, you, as the homeowner wish to install this electrical service yourself you must first apply for and pass the “homeowner’s examination” which is administered by the St. Mary’s County Board of Electrical Examiners.

can someones child drown in your Hot Tub .... and will you electrocute yourself

 

[tipsymcgee]

And they use satellite imaging to say, look, this wasn't here 3 or 4 years ago, and now it is. Heard they have busted lots of people that way with pools and decks.

 

[sockgirl77]

IMHO here is the reason why:

NO, here is the reason why:

 

[sockgirl77]

And they use satellite imaging to say, look, this wasn't here 3 or 4 years ago, and now it is. Heard they have busted lots of people that way with pools and decks.

That's what I'm hearing. I've spent my fair share of time in that office lately and I'm quite amazed at the stories that I've heard!

 

[GURPS]

And they use satellite imaging to say, look, this wasn't here 3 or 4 years ago, and now it is. Heard they have busted lots of people that way with pools and decks.

finding a whole host of upgrades .....

 

[MadDogMarine]

Just thought I'd put it out there that a permit from Planning and Zoning is needed for any pool or hot tub that is 24" deep or more. This includes the little $200 pools from Walmart. And yes, the County is sending people around to check on them. I've personally witnessed people paying fines because they failed to comply with Planning and Zoning.

I know that people buy these things every day. Manufacturers have disclaimers on the boxes alerting people to check with their local government before purchasing.

Here are the guidelines http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/CAG5.pdf.

For those not savy on what is going on, notice the term "International Residential Code (IRC)"

All codes have been slowly converted to an International level under the United Nations one world govt agenda that everyone was claiming doesn't exist. Here is a link to the this oneInternational Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings

What one should find disturbing is the extent where every aspect of your home comes under their regulations.
Bureaucrats can expect a Loooong happy life under these codes to include ensuring your grass does not exceed 6 inches in height.

Don't forget with your new pool, you will have to have a fence. And yes, the fence also requires a permit!

 

[sockgirl77]

FAQ #12: What fees can I expect to pay for my permit?

Application fee (all permits)
$ 15.00
New home including basement/attached garage
$ .12/sq. ft.
New home Economic Impact Fee
$4,500.00
Pegg Road Impact Fee (Westbury Subdivision)
$ 600.00
Residential addition
$ .12/sq. ft.
Detached residential accessory structure
$ .02/sq. ft.
Private swimming pool
$ 15.00
Deck
$ .12/sq. ft.
Pier, bulkhead or revetment
$ 15.00
Renovation
$ 15.00
Demolition
$ No Fee
Sign
$ 60.00 up to 32 square feet;
$ 110.00 for over 32 square feet
Change of occupancy
$ 15.00
Home occupation
$ 15.00
Farmers market exhibitor
$ 15.00
Minimum permit fee
$ 15.00
Permit revision fee
$ 15.00
Permit extension fee
$ 15.00
Permit transfer fee
$ 60.00
Environmental permit review fee
$ 25.00
Other fees:
Health Department review fee
$ 20.00 to $ 75.00
Soil Conservation District review fee
$ 20.00
Metcom Connection Fees (water & sewer)
Call 301-373-4733
Entrance Permit (bond)
$1,200.00 or $1,900.00
Building Inspection fees
$ 55.00 to $300.00+
(see Customer Assistance Guide #22)
$ 120.00 per over lot grading inspection

St. Mary's County Government

 

[Bean Machine]

Bureaucrats can expect a Loooong happy life under these codes to include ensuring your grass does not exceed 6 inches in height.

When they pass the carbon tax (we all KNOW that Maryland WILL tax this), I will stop cutting my grass. I will then calculate the amount of oxygen it will produce and apply for an oxygen offset credit! The longer the grass, the more oxygen! A smart conservative lawmaker could sneak an amendment into the bill that would discourage cutting your grass on the auspices of a greener world and add the oxygen offset.

 

[Bay_Kat]

And they use satellite imaging to say, look, this wasn't here 3 or 4 years ago, and now it is. Heard they have busted lots of people that way with pools and decks.

My home owners insurance used google satellite images to see that the roof over the patio was flat and canceled my insurance. I tried to fight them because the roof they are talking about is over an outside patio and it does have a slight pitch to it and it's not over anything inside the house.

 

[MadDogMarine]

And they use satellite imaging to say, look, this wasn't here 3 or 4 years ago, and now it is. Heard they have busted lots of people that way with pools and decks.

When the county went to the 5 digit(emergency-911) address code and made the post office change everything, I knew something was up. What does mail delivery have to do with 911 calls?. After looking into it and having a long conversation with the local postmaster who was furious he would no longer have numerically sequenced delivery routes, found out the codes are connected to satellite imagery. This was all necessary for the proper identification of zoning offenders. It is one thing to have a satellite image of your "offending" house, a whole another thing to locate where to send the penalty notice.

 

[sockgirl77]

Here's an example of the letter that "violators" are receiving:

 

[MadDogMarine]

Here's an example of the letter that "violators" are receiving:

Will they eventually be using Far Infrared sensors to determine the number of occupants in your home. 5 occupants in a 3 bedroom home is a big NO-NO.
We can all expect to receive one of these letters sooner or later.
If I were to install a swimming pool, the first thing I would do is install 4 pressure treated posts with a horizontal trestle of some kind with vine or other vegetation cover. One day I may just cover my house in SOD for "environmental preservation purposes"
We are living in a bureaucratic nightmare that has turned into a wet dream for the bureaucrats.

 

[afjess1989]

http://www.change.org/petitions/the...ry-s-county-md-stop-the-swimming-pool-permits

 

[sockgirl77]

http://www.change.org/petitions/the...ry-s-county-md-stop-the-swimming-pool-permits

Signed! I know the creator.

 

[GWguy]

Will they eventually be using Far Infrared sensors to determine the number of occupants in your home. 5 occupants in a 3 bedroom home is a big NO-NO.

It's illegal to have 2 or 3 kids sharing a room?

 

[afjess1989]

It's illegal to have 2 or 3 kids sharing a room?

Yup. If you have section 8 you can't have boys and girls sharing a room. When I lived in my apartment (3 years ago) the Neighbor lady was on section 8 had 3 kids 2 boys and a girl all over 3 years old, section 8 got her a new place to live because the boys and girls have to have their own rooms

 

[ICit]

Yup. If you have section 8 you can't have boys and girls sharing a room. When I lived in my apartment (3 years ago) the Neighbor lady was on section 8 had 3 kids 2 boys and a girl all over 3 years old, section 8 got her a new place to live because the boys and girls have to have their own rooms

Sounds like my old neighbor.......

but I finally got her kicked off of housing (and i just found out that her case worker was happy to see her get kicked off of it!! she could do anything about it... till we all came in to testify about what was going on!!)

 

[sockgirl77]

Yup. If you have section 8 you can't have boys and girls sharing a room. When I lived in my apartment (3 years ago) the Neighbor lady was on section 8 had 3 kids 2 boys and a girl all over 3 years old, section 8 got her a new place to live because the boys and girls have to have their own rooms

It is NOT illegal, it is just against HUD's rules. Big difference.

 

[afjess1989]

Sounds like my old neighbor.......

but I finally got her kicked off of housing (and i just found out that her case worker was happy to see her get kicked off of it!! she could do anything about it... till we all came in to testify about what was going on!!)

This woman and her sweat hog of a bf are nasty. They rather just live off the system then get a job. And it made me sick when they were driving a new car while me and the man friend were busting are asses trying to keep food on the table and roof over our head with one car between two working people that was falling a part.