With spring around the corner, property owners are being reminded by the Development Applications Board (DAB) that building permits are required if they want to erect above-ground pools at their residences.

According to Planning director Rudulph Hollis, while in the past most of these permits were denied, home owners are encouraged to submit their applications.

While it is unlikely they will be considered favourably, Mr. Hollis said, each application would be based on its merit.

"They have approved some permits in the past...those who did receive permission built decks around them and did not take away from Bermuda's look.

"Their fear is that yards would start looking like backyards in America," Mr. Hollis told The Royal Gazette.

Advertisements reminding the public of this will appear in the newspaper in the near future.