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Swimming Pools & Spas in Portsmouth, VA (2026)

2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Portsmouth, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Portsmouth routes residential pools through the building code rather than a separate pool ordinance. Chapter 34, Section 34-2(c) requires private swimming pools to be built to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the zoning ordinance, both of which the city administers through Chapter 7's permit process.

Portsmouth Residential Pool Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

Portsmouth City Code § 34-2(c); § 7-96

(c)Private swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the zoning ordinance. ... Sec. 7-96. - Adopted. There is hereby adopted by the city for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, equipment, use and occupancy of buildings and structures, inclu...

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Portsmouth requires every fence or wall used as a swimming pool barrier to meet all applicable state and local standards, and any fence built, replaced, or relocated citywide needs a Zoning Permit before work starts under the city's Zoning Ordinance.

Portsmouth Pool Barrier Fence Rules

Some Restrictions

Portsmouth, VA Zoning Ordinance Sec. 40.2-305(B)(2), (3), (6)

(2)All fence or wall construction, reconstruction, replacement, or relocation must obtain a Zoning Permit.(3)Compliance with the standards of this section shall occur prior to approval of a building permit or zoning permit, whichever occurs first...(6)All fences serving as pool barriers must comply with all state and local standards.