Fencing Requirements: Pasadena vs Severna Park
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Pasadena, MD and Severna Park, MD?
Pasadena has fewer restrictions than Severna Park.
Pasadena, MD
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County requires a building permit for any residential swimming pool and a compliant pool barrier under the Anne Arundel County Building Code, which adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix G. The barrier must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) tall, with no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom, picket gaps no more than 4 inches wide, and self-closing/self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool.
View full Pasadena rules →Severna Park, MD
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County requires a 48-inch minimum barrier completely surrounding residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable. Door alarms (UL 2017 listed) are required when dwelling walls serve as part of the barrier, with deactivation switches at 54 inches or higher.
View full Severna Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | Severna Park |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | AA County Building Code (IRC Appendix G adopted) | - |
| Minimum Barrier Height | 48 inches (4 feet) | - |
| Maximum Ground Gap | 2 inches | - |
| Maximum Picket Gap | 4 inches | - |
| Gate Requirement | Outward-opening, self-closing, self-latching | - |
| Barrier Height | - | 48 inches minimum |
| Gate Requirements | - | Self-closing, self-latching, locking |
| Door Alarms | - | UL 2017 listed, deactivation at 54 inches |
| Max Opening | - | 4-inch sphere may not pass through |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pasadena FAQ
Do I need a permit for a pool deck in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. Any pool, pool deck, or pool barrier requires a building permit from the Anne Arundel County Permit Center. Decks over 30 inches above grade require a separate deck permit.
What height does my pool fence need to be?
At least 48 inches (4 feet) tall under IRC Appendix G as adopted by Anne Arundel County. There can be no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom of the fence, and pickets cannot be more than 4 inches apart.
Can I use chain link for a pool fence?
Yes, but the mesh size cannot exceed 2-1/4 inches square unless the fence has slats fastened at top or bottom that reduce openings to no more than 1-3/4 inches.
Severna Park FAQ
What type of fence does my pool need in Severna Park?
Anne Arundel County requires a 48-inch minimum barrier completely surrounding residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable. Door alarms (UL 2017 listed) are required when dwelling walls serve as part of the barrier, with deactivation switches at 54 inches or higher.
How tall must a pool fence be in Severna Park?
Barrier Height: 48 inches minimum. Gate Requirements: Self-closing, self-latching, locking. Door Alarms: UL 2017 listed, deactivation at 54 inches. Max Opening: 4-inch sphere may not pass through.
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