Regulations for Swimming Pools in the City of Kissimmee
In the City of Kissimmee, swimming pools and spas are classified as accessory structures and must be located behind the front façade of the principal building. Setbacks for these facilities are measured from the water's edge, requiring a minimum of six feet from the rear property line, though any pool enclosure attached to the primary residence must instead meet the more restrictive principal building setbacks of the specific Kissimmee zoning district.
Classification and Definitions
According to the Kissimmee Land Development Code (LDC), a swimming pool is defined as a manufactured device intended for swimming, whether installed above or below ground, containing 5,000 gallons or more of water and equipped with a circulating device. This definition also encompasses spas and hot tubs used for lounging [Chapter 14-2].
For regulatory purposes, the City of Kissimmee deems swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to be "accessory structures" [Section 14-6-17]. As such, they must be subordinate to the primary residence, meaning they must occupy less than 50 percent of the size of the principal structure and be lower in height than the principal building [Section 14-6-1].
Location and Setback Requirements
The City of Kissimmee enforces specific placement rules to ensure that swimming pools do not interfere with the public realm or neighboring properties. Pools are strictly prohibited from being located in front of the primary façade of the principal building [Section 14-6-1.D].
Dimensional Standards for Pools
Setbacks for swimming pools in the City of Kissimmee are measured directly from the water's edge [Section 14-6-17].
| Feature/Placement Type | Required Minimum Setback |
|---|---|
| Rear Property Line | 6 feet [Section 14-6-1.B] |
| Side Property Line | Per specific Zoning District [Section 14-6-1.C] |
| Street Side Property Line | Per specific Zoning District [Section 14-6-1.C] |
| Front Yard | Prohibited [Section 14-6-1.D] |
| Utility Easements | Prohibited [Section 14-6-1.F] |
Attached Screen Enclosures
If a pool is housed within a screened enclosure that is physically attached to the primary residence, the City of Kissimmee applies different standards. These structures must meet all principal building setback requirements for the applicable zoning district, rather than the more relaxed accessory structure setbacks [Section 14-6-1.G].
Permit and Safety Regulations
While the installation of a swimming pool at a single-family home or duplex in the City of Kissimmee does not require a "development order," a building permit is required to ensure compliance with structural and safety standards [Section 14-3-10.B].
Fencing and Barriers
The Kissimmee Land Development Code mandates that all swimming pools must comply with the fencing and safety barrier requirements established in Florida Statutes, Chapter 515 [Section 14-6-17]. Additionally, any pool constructed within a Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) District may be subject to further review regarding the style and materials of the required safety fencing to ensure architectural compatibility [Section 14-6-13].
Maintenance Responsibility
The owner of the property in the City of Kissimmee is responsible for maintaining the pool and its surrounding area in a clean and safe condition. This includes ensuring the structure does not become a nuisance or a safety hazard to the community [Section 14-8-25].
Sections Cited
- Chapter 14-2 (Terms Defined)
- Section 14-3-10 (Development Order)
- Section 14-6-1 (General requirements for accessory uses and structures)
- Section 14-6-17 (Swimming pools)
- Section 14-8-25 (Landscape maintenance responsibility)