Fencing Requirements: Hernando vs Horn Lake
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Hernando, MS and Horn Lake, MS?
Horn Lake has fewer restrictions than Hernando.
Hernando, MS
Desoto County
Residential swimming pools in Hernando require a city pool permit, and the Mississippi Residential Code (based on the IRC) governs barrier requirements through IRC Appendix AG. Section AG105 requires pools with water more than 24 inches deep to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool. The Montjoy Pool Safety Act, codified at Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7 and §45-43-9, supplements these standards for public and certain residential pools.
View full Hernando rules →Horn Lake, MS
Desoto County
Horn Lake enforces residential swimming pool barrier rules through its city-adopted edition of the International Residential Code under Miss. Code Ann. § 21-19-25, plus the William Lee Montjoy Pool Safety Act (Miss. Code Ann. §§ 45-43-1 to 45-43-31) for owners associations. The IRC Appendix AG105 standard requires barriers at least 48 inches high with no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass and self-closing, self-latching gates. The Montjoy Act bans new chain-link enclosures (after July 1, 2012), bans low diagonal members below 49 inches, and requires gate latches at least 60 inches above ground. A Horn Lake Pool Permit is required.
View full Horn Lake rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hernando | Horn Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Local Permit | Pool & fence permits via mgoconnect.org | - |
| State Code | Mississippi Residential Code (IRC) | - |
| Barrier Height | 48 in. minimum (IRC §AG105.2) | - |
| Bottom Clearance | 2 in. solid / 4 in. grade max | - |
| Opening Rule | No 4-in. sphere passage | No 4-inch sphere passage |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward | - |
| State Statute | Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7, -9 (Montjoy Act) | - |
| State Authority | - | Miss. Code Ann. § 21-19-25 |
| Adopted Code | - | International Residential Code (Appendix AG105) |
| Min. Barrier Height | - | 48 inches (IRC) |
| Trigger | - | Pool/spa water deeper than 24 inches |
| Montjoy Act Citation | - | Miss. Code Ann. §§ 45-43-7, 45-43-9 |
| POA Latch Height | - | 60 inches (Montjoy) |
| Permit Required | - | Horn Lake Pool Permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hernando FAQ
How tall does a pool fence need to be in Hernando, MS?
At least 48 inches measured from the outside (non-pool) side of the barrier, per IRC Appendix AG §AG105.2 as adopted through the Mississippi Residential Code. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool. The barrier must pass inspection before the City of Hernando Building Department issues final approval for the pool.
Do I need a permit for a backyard pool in Hernando?
Yes. The City of Hernando Building Department issues swimming pool and fence permits through the My Government Online portal at mgoconnect.org. A code-compliant safety barrier is required before final inspection. The Montjoy Pool Safety Act (Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7 and §45-43-9) imposes additional drain cover and barrier rules statewide.
Horn Lake FAQ
Does Mississippi require a fence around my Horn Lake backyard pool?
Yes. Mississippi has no statewide pool barrier statute for single-family homes, but Horn Lake adopts the International Residential Code under Miss. Code Ann. § 21-19-25. IRC Appendix AG105 requires a 48-inch minimum barrier with no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass, plus self-closing and self-latching gates, for any pool, spa, or hot tub with water deeper than 24 inches. A Horn Lake Pool Permit is required before installation.
How does the Montjoy Pool Safety Act apply in Horn Lake?
The William Lee Montjoy Pool Safety Act (Miss. Code Ann. §§ 45-43-1 through 45-43-31) applies to pools owned, controlled, or maintained by certain property owners or owners associations - typically subdivision and apartment-complex pools. Section 45-43-7 bans new chain-link enclosures and low diagonal members below 49 inches for enclosures built after July 1, 2012. Section 45-43-9 sets gate-latch heights at 60 inches. POAs and HOAs in Horn Lake subdivisions must comply.
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