WESTPORT — A Little Fox Lane homeowner recently asked the Planning and Zoning Department if there were any rules pertaining to in-ground trampolines.

“I looked at her and said, ‘What’s an in-ground trampoline?’” department Director Mary Young told the Planning and Zoning Commission at a recent meeting, admitting she’s not up on the recent trend — if it is one.

An in-ground trampoline is basically a typical trampoline — round or rectangular or otherwise — placed in a pit so it’s level with the yard. If someone bounces off it, there’s no extra 3-foot drop to the ground. It can mean safety netting isn’t needed and has a lower profile.

Young said the town has no rules regarding such equipment.

But since the inquiry, several agencies, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, have been looking into the issue. Discussions have begun on formulating rules.

Turns out it not as simple as one might suspect.

Zoners had to figure out if they should be allowed in setbacks, and if they count as lot coverage.

The pit might require regrading, or drainage, so enter the town engineers.

The Aspetuck Health District will consider them an accessory structure, and will want to require a certain distance from septic fields.

Near any kind of waterway or wetlands? Call in the Conservation Commission.

At a July 11 meeting, P&Z Commission Chairwoman Danielle Dobin said she’s a big fan of trampolines, but knows they can generate a lot of noise from excited children.

“Requiring somebody to have setbacks doesn’t mean you can’t have a trampoline — it just means you kind of have to put it in the main part of your yard instead of putting it really close to your neighbor’s yard,” she said.

The commission members agreed that trampolines should not be allowed in setbacks, and should not count as coverage. They left it up to staff to determine on a case-by-case basis whether or not to require drainage.

The Conservation Commission began discussing the topic Wednesday night.

“You would think that at face value, these are a bit innocuous, but I guess they really aren’t,” Conservation Director Alicia Mozian told commission members.

Members discussed treating in-ground trampolines as they would pools, with a setback. Whether that’s 35 feet or less has yet to be decided.

Chairwoman Anna Rycenga suggested bouncing the topic to a future meeting. A study subcommittee was formed and is to report back to the full commission at its Sept. 14 meeting.

Thane Grauel, the Westport Journal executive editor, grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond more than three decades. Learn more about us here.

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