Fencing Requirements: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Residential swimming pools in Lakewood must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2021 International Residential Code Appendix AG (Section AG105) and the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), both adopted by reference at LMC 15.05.020 through Washington's statewide code (RCW 19.27.031, WAC 51-51). General-use and limited-use public/community pools also follow WAC 246-260-031 (Washington DOH), requiring 60 to 72-inch barriers, self-closing/self-latching gates, and restricted openings. Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height generally do not need a separate zoning permit under LMC Title 18A, but a building permit is required for the pool itself.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high under the adopted International Residential Code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Washington State's residential building code applies.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Adopted Code | 2021 IRC App. AG / 2021 ISPSC | - |
| LMC Reference | LMC 15.05.020 | - |
| State Authority | RCW 19.27.031; WAC 51-51, 246-260 | - |
| Min. Barrier Height (residential) | 48 in (IRC AG105) | - |
| Public/Community Pool | 60-72 in (WAC 246-260-031) | - |
| Max. Ground Clearance | 2 in | - |
| Max. Opening | 4-in sphere cannot pass | - |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward | Self-closing, self-latching, outward opening |
| Permit | Required for pool & barrier | - |
| Barrier Height | - | 48 inches minimum |
| Latch Height | - | 54 inches or child-resistant |
| Openings | - | No gaps larger than 4 inches |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
How tall does my pool fence need to be in Lakewood?
For residential pools deeper than 24 inches, the barrier must be at least 48 inches high under IRC Appendix AG Section AG105, which Lakewood adopts at LMC 15.05.020. Public, community, and HOA pools regulated by Washington DOH must be at least 60 inches (limited-use) or 72 inches (general-use) under WAC 246-260-031.
Do I need a permit to install a pool fence?
A building permit is required for the swimming pool, and the barrier is reviewed as part of that permit. Standalone fences 6 feet or shorter that do not obstruct vehicle sight lines generally do not need a separate zoning permit under LMC Title 18A, but the barrier still must meet IRC Appendix AG specifications and pass inspection.
Can my house wall serve as part of the pool barrier?
Yes, under IRC Section AG105.2 a dwelling wall can form one side of the barrier, but any door from the house leading directly to the pool must have an audible alarm, or the pool itself must have a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Sliding doors and windows opening to the pool are subject to additional alarm or self-latching requirements.
Tacoma FAQ
Do I need a fence around my pool in Tacoma?
Yes. All pools with water over 24 inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
How high must the gate latch be on a Tacoma pool fence?
At least 54 inches above grade, or the latch must use a child-resistant mechanism that prevents unsupervised access.
Can a chain-link fence serve as my Tacoma pool barrier?
Yes, if mesh openings are small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. Standard chain-link typically needs slats or a different mesh.
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