Fencing Requirements: Hernando vs Olive Branch
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Hernando, MS and Olive Branch, MS?
Hernando and Olive Branch have similar restriction levels.
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 →Olive Branch, MS
Desoto County
Olive Branch enforces residential pool barrier rules through its adopted 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix G / Section R326, which require a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. The state Montjoy Pool Safety Act (Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7 and §45-43-9) mirrors the 48-inch enclosure standard for owners associations. Building Department permits both Private Pool and Owner Above/In-Ground Pool applications.
View full Olive Branch rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hernando | Olive Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Local Permit | Pool & fence permits via mgoconnect.org | - |
| State Code | Mississippi Residential Code (IRC) | - |
| Barrier Height | 48 in. minimum (IRC §AG105.2) | 48 in (4 ft) minimum |
| Bottom Clearance | 2 in. solid / 4 in. grade max | - |
| Opening Rule | No 4-in. sphere passage | No 4-in sphere can pass |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward | - |
| State Statute | Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7, -9 (Montjoy Act) | - |
| Adopted Code | - | 2018 ISPSC; 2018 IRC App. G / R326 |
| State Law | - | Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7, §45-43-9 |
| Gate Latch | - | 54 in above bottom of gate |
| Building Dept | - | (662) 892-9333 |
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.
Olive Branch FAQ
What is the pool fence height requirement in Olive Branch?
Olive Branch enforces the 2018 ISPSC and 2018 IRC Appendix G / Section R326: minimum 48 inches (4 feet) measured on the side facing away from the pool, no openings larger than 4 inches, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate. The state Montjoy Pool Safety Act (Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7) mirrors the 48-inch enclosure rule.
Do I need a permit for a backyard pool in Olive Branch?
Yes. The Building Department (662-892-9333) issues a Private Pool Permit (with site plan) plus an Owner Above Ground or Owner In Ground Pool Requirements form signed by the property owner. Plans are reviewed for IRC/ISPSC barrier compliance (height, gap size, gate hardware, door alarms where the dwelling forms part of the barrier) before final approval and water-fill.
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