Fencing Requirements: Puyallup vs Tacoma
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Puyallup, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Puyallup has fewer restrictions than Tacoma.
Puyallup, WA
Pierce County
Puyallup adopts the Washington State Residential Code (IRC with WA amendments) per PMC Chapter 17.04, requiring barriers around residential pools/spas under IRC Appendix AG105/Section R326. PMC 20.25.020 separately requires a 6-foot enclosure with no openings greater than 4 inches and a self-closing gate around any pool 12 inches or deeper in multifamily (RM) zones.
View full Puyallup 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 | Puyallup | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Code | IRC AG105 / R326 (via PMC 17.04) | - |
| Min Barrier Height (IRC) | 48 inches | - |
| RM Zone Rule (PMC 20.25.020) | 6 ft fence, openings <=4 in, self-closing gate | - |
| Triggers RM Rule | Pool depth 12 in or more | - |
| Public Pools | WAC 246-260; Tacoma-Pierce Co Health Dept | - |
| Permits | Puyallup Development Services / Building | - |
| Barrier Height | - | 48 inches minimum |
| Gate | - | Self-closing, self-latching, outward opening |
| Latch Height | - | 54 inches or child-resistant |
| Openings | - | No gaps larger than 4 inches |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Puyallup FAQ
No FAQs available.
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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