Fencing Requirements: Hernando vs Southaven
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Hernando, MS and Southaven, MS?
Hernando and Southaven 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 →Southaven, MS
Desoto County
Southaven requires a pool permit and a 'security fence' meeting code prior to final inspection, applying the Mississippi Residential Code (based on the 2018 IRC) and IRC Appendix AG. Under IRC §AG105, residential pools deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward from the pool. Mississippi's adoption of the IRC operates under Miss. Code Ann. Title 17, Chapter 2 (Building Codes).
View full Southaven rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hernando | Southaven |
|---|---|---|
| Local Permit | Pool & fence permits via mgoconnect.org | - |
| State Code | Mississippi Residential Code (IRC) | Mississippi Residential Code (2018 IRC) |
| Barrier Height | 48 in. minimum (IRC §AG105.2) | 48 in. minimum (IRC §AG105.2) |
| Bottom Clearance | 2 in. solid / 4 in. grade max | 2 in. solid / 4 in. grade max |
| Opening Rule | No 4-in. sphere passage | No 4-in. sphere passage |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward |
| State Statute | Miss. Code Ann. §45-43-7, -9 (Montjoy Act) | - |
| Local Rule | - | Security fence required (Building Dept.) |
| Latch Height | - | 54+ in. above grade |
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.
Southaven FAQ
How tall does a pool fence need to be in Southaven?
At least 48 inches measured from the outside (non-pool) side, per IRC Appendix AG §AG105.2 as adopted by the Mississippi Residential Code. The barrier must be installed and pass inspection before the City of Southaven Building Department issues final approval for the pool.
Do I need a permit for a backyard pool in Southaven?
Yes. The Southaven Building Department requires a pool permit application, certificate of compliance, and a placement diagram. A code-compliant security fence must be installed prior to the final inspection of the pool.
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