The Village of Newark is reminding residents about local property maintenance and swimming pool regulations as warmer weather approaches.
In a notice issued by the Village of Newark Code Enforcement Department, officials clarified several village codes related to grass and weeds, junk vehicles, and residential pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Under village code, grass and noxious weeds must be kept trimmed to no more than six inches in height. Officials also reminded residents that junk, trash, and other unsightly debris are not permitted to accumulate on private property.
The village also prohibits unlicensed, inoperable, junk, or wrecked vehicles, trailers, and watercraft from being stored on public or private property unless covered with an approved vehicle cover. Officials noted only one covered unlicensed vehicle is permitted per parcel.
Code enforcement officials also emphasized regulations for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs capable of holding more than 24 inches of water, including portable and inflatable pools.
According to the village, building permits are required for all permanent or temporary pools, spas, and hot tubs exceeding 24 inches in water depth.
Village officials said pools, spas, and hot tubs with walls lower than 48 inches from the ground must also have a barrier that complies with New York State Residential Code requirements.
The notice states that some self-set or quick-set inflatable pools may not qualify as acceptable barriers because the walls are not rigid enough to prevent child access. Officials also reminded residents that pool gates, folding ladders, and spa or hot tub covers should remain locked when not supervised.
The village further noted that pools installed or substantially modified after Dec. 14, 2006, must be equipped with an approved pool alarm under state code requirements. Any pool, spa, or hot tub requiring electrical connections must also be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI.
Residents with questions or planning to install a pool, spa, or hot tub are encouraged to contact the Village of Newark Code Enforcement Office before installation.
