At East Allen Township’s board of supervisors meeting Aug. 12, there was discussion of changing the setback provisions for pools.

The existing ordinance calls for a setback of 20 feet and approval from the neighbors. The township is receiving more requests for on-lot pools because of state-imposed restrictions on recreation activity. Pools will not meet the minimum setback criteria in certain sections of the township where lots are smaller.

Pools are considered impervious coverage on a residential lot even though they contain water. Structures on a residential lot must not exceed the impervious coverage.

“We do not have a problem with impervious coverage. In most cases, we meet those requirements. The problem is with the setback from the property line,” Doreen Curtin, zoning officer, said.

Other accessory structures have less strict guidelines. A shed less than 144 square feet can be within 3 feet of the property line as long as the neighbor approves. Variances for pools are routinely approved for smaller parcels. Supervisors are not expecting every homeowner will be installing a pool.

Curtin will look at the implications of making a change to the ordinance.

The supervisors will review Curtin’s report before deciding on changes to the ordinance. The provision requiring consent from the neighboring property is expected to remain.

Township Manager Brent Green reported on the buildup of debris in the township as a result of the latest storm.

“The Jacksonville Road bridge was hit especially hard with debris piling up around the supporting structure,” he said.

The trestle over Monocacy Creek clogged with debris, causing flooding on Route 512, it was reported. This is a perennial problem during heavy rainstorms.

The public works department has a plan to clear debris at this location; however, it requires disrupting traffic on the major roadway.

The township is looking for state grants to purchase a new pickup truck for use by the public works department.

There was a question from residents who ran into a roadblock when selling their home. The homeowners used landscape rock, which is a porous rock mixture for a decorative enhancement. The enhancement was declared impervious, and the amount of impervious coverage between existing buildings and the landscape rock exceeded the amount allowed.

Their house is sold, and they want to transfer it to the new owner. The transfer cannot take place until the amount of impervious coverage is reduced to meet the criteria. The homeowners asked for reconsideration.

Supervisors indicated the definition of landscape rock was a state definition, not a local one. The zoning officer will review the situation and provide options.