A proposal to ban new inground swimming pools in parts of Fairfield, Connecticut, is drawing pushback from homeowners, after town officials raised concerns about flood risk in low-lying coastal neighborhoods.

The plan — debated April 7, 2026, by the town’s Plan and Zoning Commission — would prohibit new inground pools in areas vulnerable to storm surge and tidal flooding. If adopted, the restriction could affect roughly 1,000 properties, many of them high-value homes along Long Island Sound.

Town officials say the proposal is rooted in floodplain management and public safety. During the meeting, Planning Director Emmeline Harrigan said the idea originated from staff concerns about how pools perform during major storms.

“This was generated from concerns we had as staff as far as floodplain management,” Harrigan said.

Officials argue that pools and their associated equipment — including pumps, heaters, and surrounding structures — can be damaged or displaced during severe weather, potentially becoming debris that affects nearby properties or complicates emergency response. They also point to concerns that excavation could alter drainage patterns or reduce floodwater storage in already vulnerable areas.

Residents say the proposal goes too far.

At the same meeting, attorney Chris Russo, representing homeowners, said properly engineered pools can meet safety standards even in coastal zones.

“There are ways to design and engineer pools to be safe in this area, and there are standards that can be met,” he said.

Opponents argue that modern construction practices already address flood risks and that storm-related damage is typically a private matter handled through insurance. Many are calling for a case-by-case permitting approach rather than a blanket ban. Some residents also questioned whether the town is focusing on the right priorities.

“This seems extraordinarily petty compared to some of the bigger issues we have like cleaning up our beaches,” said resident Troy Pinto.

Critics point to concerns that include coastal erosion, water quality, and stormwater infrastructure, and note what they see as an inconsistency: while restricting private pools, the town is also exploring expanded waterfront development near Jennings Beach and South Benson Marina.

The proposal would still allow certain smaller water features, such as spas and hot tubs, under specific limits — a distinction opponents argue is difficult to justify.

No final decision has been made. The commission is expected to take additional public input before voting, as the debate highlights a question facing now coastal communities — how to balance flood risk with property rights in increasingly vulnerable shoreline areas.