Fencing Requirements: Edmonds vs Everett
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Edmonds, WA and Everett, WA?
Edmonds has fewer restrictions than Everett.
Edmonds, WA
Snohomish County
Residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Edmonds must comply with the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) adopted at ECDC 19.35.000 and the 2021 International Residential Code Appendix AG, both adopted statewide under RCW 19.27.031 (WAC 51-51, WAC 51-50). The baseline residential barrier is at least 48 inches high, with self-closing/self-latching gates and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Public and semi-public pools (apartments, hotels, schools) are regulated by Snohomish Health Department under WAC 246-260-031. Edmonds also caps fence height at six feet under ECDC 17.30.000, and pool/spa structures must meet the accessory-structure setbacks of the underlying zoning district under Title 16 ECDC.
View full Edmonds rules →Everett, WA
Snohomish County
Everett requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height per WA Building Code. Self-closing, self-latching gates.
View full Everett rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edmonds | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ECDC 19.35.000 adopts 2021 ISPSC; ECDC 19.00 adopts 2021 IRC/IBC; WAC 51-51 (IRC App. AG); WAC 246-260 (DOH) | - |
| State Authority | RCW 19.27.031 (State Building Code); WAC 51-51 / 51-50; WAC 246-260 | - |
| Min. Residential Barrier Height | 48 inches per IRC Appendix AG / 2021 ISPSC | - |
| Public/Semi-Public Pools | 60-72 inch barrier under WAC 246-260-031 (Snohomish Health Dept.) | - |
| Opening Limit | No opening that passes a 4-inch-diameter sphere; max 2-inch ground clearance | - |
| Gate Hardware | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward away from pool | - |
| Trigger Depth | Pools/spas capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep | - |
| Fence Height (general) | 6 ft max under ECDC 17.30.000 without a variance | - |
| Permitting | City of Edmonds Development Services / Building Division (building permit required for pool, spa, and barrier) | - |
| Height | - | 48 inches (4 ft) minimum |
| Gates | - | Self-closing, self-latching |
| Latch | - | 54" high or pool side |
| State Code | - | WA Building Code (IRC) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edmonds FAQ
How tall does my pool fence have to be in Edmonds?
At least 48 inches under IRC Appendix AG and the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, adopted by ECDC 19.35.000 and the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-51, RCW 19.27.031). The barrier must have no openings that pass a 4-inch sphere, no more than a 2-inch gap at the ground, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward. Public or semi-public pools regulated under WAC 246-260-031 typically need a 60- or 72-inch barrier.
Do I need a permit to install a swimming pool or spa in Edmonds?
Yes. The Edmonds Development Services / Building Division requires a building permit for in-ground pools, most spas, and the required barrier under ECDC Title 19, with inspections to confirm IRC Appendix AG / 2021 ISPSC barrier compliance before final approval. Spas equipped with locking covers meeting ASTM F1346 may be exempt from the separate barrier requirement under IRC Appendix AG.
Everett FAQ
Do I need a pool fence?
Yes. Barriers required around all residential pools and spas.
Can my house wall count?
Yes, if doors have alarms or self-closing mechanisms.
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