Unpermitted above-ground pool at 3272 Mountview Road
Upper Arlington
Summary
A family installed a 5-foot above-ground pool without permits for their autistic son's swim therapy, running into a decades-old ban on pools taller than two feet. The board put off a decision to let the family explore burying or relocating the pool — and the case could test how the city handles special-needs exceptions.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 7, 2026.
Impact analysis
An in-ground pool alternative could cost the family tens of thousands of dollars plus a two-to-three-year wait.
If ultimately approved, the family gains a safe therapy tool for their son; if denied, uniform pool rules are preserved for all residents.
Denial would leave the family unable to afford a compliant alternative; approval could set precedent for similar requests.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Zoning and Planning - Oct 7, 2026
A family installed a 4'-2" above-ground pool without a permit; above-ground pools are prohibited in Upper Arlington. They're weighing a $40,000-$45,000 fix (burying and moving the pool) versus asking for a time-limited variance, which board members appear reluctant to grant.
Board of Zoning and Planning - Sep 16, 2026
A family installed a 5-foot above-ground pool without permits for their autistic son's swim therapy, running into a decades-old ban on pools taller than two feet. The board put off a decision to let the family explore burying or relocating the pool — and the case could test how the city handles special-needs exceptions.
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