Fencing Requirements: Apex vs Cary
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex and Cary have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Residential pool, spa, and hot tub barriers in Apex follow NC Residential Code Appendix V (2018) / Appendix NC-A (2024). The barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade on the exterior side, openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, the grade-to-bottom clearance is capped at 2 inches (4 inches over concrete or fixed solid material), and pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b additionally requires that chain link used around residential pools be vinyl coated in black, brown, or dark green.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
North Carolina requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches (4 feet) high for pools with more than 18 inches of water. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Barrier Height | 48 inches above grade (AV105.2 Item 1) | - |
| 4-Inch Sphere Rule | No opening allows 4-inch sphere passage (Item 2) | - |
| Max Ground Gap | 2 inches (4 inches over concrete/solid surface) | - |
| Gate Direction | Opens outward away from pool (Item 8) | Must open outward from pool |
| Gate Hardware | Self-closing and self-latching required | - |
| Chain Link Color | Vinyl coated black/brown/dark green (Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b) | - |
| Code Edition | NC Residential Code App. V (2018) / App. NC-A (2024) | - |
| State Preemption | Session Law 2023-108 (HB 488) limits local amendments | - |
| Barrier Height | - | 48 inches (4 feet) minimum |
| Self-Latching | - | Required on all gates |
| Opening Size | - | No gaps allowing 4-inch sphere |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I use an existing 4-foot wood fence as my pool barrier?
Yes, if it is at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, has no openings larger than a 4-inch sphere, and has a gap of no more than 2 inches between the ground and the bottom of the fence (4 inches over a concrete/solid surface), all gates must open outward and be self-closing and self-latching, per NC Residential Code Appendix V (AV105.2).
What color must pool chain-link fencing be in Apex?
Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b requires that chain link around residential pools, spas, and hot tubs be 'vinyl coated in black, brown or dark green.' Bare galvanized chain link is not permitted around residential pool enclosures.
Can the pool gate latch be on the outside?
Generally no for residential pool gates. NC Residential Code Appendix V Item 8 requires self-latching, and where the release mechanism is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release must be on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top, and the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
Cary FAQ
How tall must a pool fence be in Cary, NC?
Pool barriers must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) high per North Carolina Building Code. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward.
Do I need a door alarm for pool access in Cary?
Yes. Doors from the house that open directly to the pool area must have self-closing devices and audible alarms.
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