Fencing Requirements: Auburn vs Kirkland
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Auburn and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn requires a barrier at least 48 inches high surrounding any pool deeper than 24 inches, per IRC Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates and non-climbable design are mandatory.
View full Auburn rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland pools must be enclosed by a 48-inch barrier with self-closing self-latching gates under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted in Kirkland Title 21.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum height | 48 inches | 48 inches |
| Opening size | <4 inch sphere | - |
| Gate | Self-close, self-latch, outward | - |
| Latch height | >54 inches outside | - |
| House-wall barrier | Door alarm or pool cover | - |
| Opening limit | - | 4 inch max |
| Gate latch | - | 54 inches high self-latching |
| Door alarm | - | Required if house is barrier |
| Code | - | ISPSC via WA State |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Does a hot tub need a fence?
Hot tubs deeper than 24 inches need a barrier unless equipped with a safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, which substitutes for the fence requirement.
Can my house wall act as one side of the fence?
Yes, but all doors leading from the house to the pool must have audible alarms, or the pool must have an approved safety cover.
Kirkland FAQ
Can my existing fence serve as the pool barrier?
Yes if it is at least 48 inches tall with proper gate self-closing and self-latching hardware, no climbable horizontal members on the outside, and openings not exceeding 4 inches.
Is a locked pool cover enough?
A motorized pool cover meeting ASTM F1346 may satisfy barrier requirements for spas and hot tubs, but most swimming pools still require a perimeter fence.
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