Thanks to a discussion by Los Alamitos City Council on Feb. 1, homeowners in the city may soon be able to move their pool equipment closer to their neighbors’ residence.
If ultimately approved by the council, homeowners will be able to place heating and filtering equipment for pools, spas and jacuzzis 15 feet from their neighbors as opposed to the current 20. At present, the Los Alamitos Zoning Ordinance does not permit equipment closer than 20 feet.
After two Planning Commission meetings, where a homeowner said the 20 feet was a bit restrictive, the commission determined that with today’s technology, noise levels could be mitigated to a point where equipment could be moved closer. The commission recommended approval of a code change that allowed for a Conditional Use Permit option to anyone desiring to house pool equipment closer than 20 feet.
The Planning Commission will have 45 days to respond to the change. A second reading could be held at the April 5 council meeting if the Planning Commission does not disagree with the change. Mayor Marilynn Poe said Los Alamitos was the most restrictive local city on that item and that should change.
“I’m surprised we’re the most restrictive on that,” Poe said. “I’m glad to see the Planning Commission is trying to relax the restrictions.”
Both Cerritos and Fountain Valley are already at 15 feet. CUPs generally run about $1,000, which Poe was surprised to hear.
“I hate to see people jump through hoops just to be able to put in a pool,” Poe said.
After discussion, the council agreed unanimously to forego the CUP process and simply lower the distance from 20 to 15 feet.
In other news, city staff was directed to bring back proposed amendments regarding landscaping in public parkways. During the council’s Dec. 7 meeting Poe noted internal inconsistencies regarding landscaping in the parkways, particularly in residential districts, during discussion of the Landscape Efficiency Ordinance. At the time, discussion on how the ordinance would effect a resident’s ability to place brick in their parkway.
The Municipal Code states that “no person can place loose, rock, gravel or decorative stones in the parkway of any street within the city.” Concrete may be installed in a parkway, providing a permit has been obtained and tree wells installed to the satisfaction to the city engineer.
Brick is not mentioned, therefore, it is not permitted. Poe said some residents may want to brick their parkway because they are older and don’t want to mow anymore.
The council’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. The meeting is moved from Monday because of the President’s Day holiday.
