Swimming Pools & Spas in Burlington, VT (2026)

Fencing Requirements

Residential swimming pool barriers in Burlington are governed by the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code, adopted by the Vermont Division of Fire Safety under 20 V.S.A. Sec. 2731. The Vermont code adopts the International Residential Code (IRC), including the swimming pool barrier provisions in Appendix G / Chapter 49 (referencing the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, ISPSC). Any pool deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the side facing away from the pool, with openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch release at least 54 inches above the ground. Burlington enforces these requirements through the Department of Permitting & Inspections (DPI) building permit process.