Swimming Pools & Spas in Durham, NC (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Durham, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Any Durham pool deeper than 24 inches with at least 100 square feet of surface area needs a building permit through Durham Inspections, plus UDO site standards: private pools must sit behind the principal house and at least five feet from any property line, with a self-latching fence around every outdoor pool.
Durham Residential Pool Permit Standards
Some RestrictionsDurham UDO § 5.4.9; City Code § 10-48
UDO § 5.4.9: "In-ground and above-ground pools are subject to any applicable public health and building code requirements. When allowed, in-ground and above-ground swimming pools that have a water depth over 24 inches and have a surface area of at least 100 square feet shall be subject to the following additional requirements: ... Private swimming pools ... shall not be located between the stre...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Every outdoor swimming pool in Durham over 24 inches deep and 100 square feet must be fully enclosed by a fence at least four feet tall with no more than 50% opacity, and every gate into that enclosure must be self-closing and self-latching under UDO § 5.4.9.
Durham Swimming Pool Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsUDO § 5.4.9, Swimming Pools
When allowed, in-ground and above-ground swimming pools that have a water depth over 24 inches and have a surface area of at least 100 square feet shall be subject to the following additional requirements: Private Pools ... All outdoor pools shall be enclosed by a fence. The exterior walls of buildings can be incorporated as a portion of the fence to create a fully enclosed area around the pool...
Looking for Durham County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Durham city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Durham County →