How Islip Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Islip maintains 127 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Islip falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
On Fire Island, Islip's Residence BAA District bans in-ground pools outright and allows an aboveground pool only as of right, and only on a lot of at least 12,000 square feet. Code § 68-149.1 ties the rule to the Comprehensive Plan's goal of protecting the barrier beach from overintensified development.
Key details: In-ground pools: Prohibited outright on Fire Island. Aboveground pools: Permitted as of right. Minimum lot area: 12,000 square feet. Applies in: Residence BAA District (Fire Island). Undersized-lot exception: Renewable 3-year ZBA hardship exception.
Erecting an in-ground pool on Fire Island, or an aboveground pool on an undersized lot without a validly renewed hardship exception, is a Chapter 68 violation under § 68-421: up to $2,000 in fines, up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate offense. The Building Division and Zoning Board of Appeals administer permits and any hardship exception renewal.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Islip actively enforces its pool permits requirements.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
On Fire Island, the Town's Residence BAA District, Islip caps every hot tub or spa at seven feet by seven feet (49 square feet) and four feet in height. Code § 68-138A(4) treats the hot tub as an accessory use, and §§ 68-145C(1) and 68-146B(1) hold it back at least 10 feet from any side or rear lot line.
Key details: Max hot tub size: 7 ft x 7 ft (49 sq ft). Max height: 4 feet. Side yard setback: 10 feet minimum. Rear yard setback: 10 feet minimum. Applies in: Residence BAA District (Fire Island).
Building or maintaining an oversized or misplaced hot tub violates Chapter 68 under § 68-421: a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment up to 15 days, or both, with every additional day of noncompliance counted as a separate violation. The Building Division and Code Enforcement can require removal or a Zoning Board of Appeals variance before the hot tub may remain in place.
The Bottom Line
Islip's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Islip is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Islip can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.