5 rules for unincorporated Chesterfield County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
A building permit is required for any pool larger than 150 sq ft, holding over 5,000 gallons, or 24 inches or more deep, under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Barrier, electrical, and (if gas-heated) gas permits are also required.
Virginia USBC (13VAC5-63); Chesterfield County Building Inspection pool guide
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a building permit for any swimming pool that is larger than 150 square feet in surface area, holds over 5,000 gallons of water, or is 24 inches or more in depth. The code makes no distinction between in-ground, above-ground, inflatable pools, or swim spas.
Outdoor pools must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high above grade. Ground clearance may not exceed 2 inches, and no opening may allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Fences used as a pool barrier require a permit.
Virginia USBC pool barrier provisions; Chesterfield Building Inspection pool guide
Minimum height: 48 inches above grade measured from the outside face of the barrier. Maximum opening size: 2 inches between grade and bottom of barrier. All other openings shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
Pool access gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool. Latches under 54 inches high must sit on the pool side. Where the house forms part of the barrier, door and window alarms are required.
Virginia USBC pool barrier provisions; Chesterfield Building Inspection pool guide
Access Gates: Must meet height, opening and climbability requirements for barriers. Must be self-closing and self-latching, and must open outward away from pool. Latches less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate must be located on pool side at least 3 inches from the top of the gate.
Above-ground pools need the same permits as in-ground pools once over the size threshold. The pool wall may serve as the barrier if it is 48 inches tall, but the ladder must be removable when not in use or protected by a compliant gate.
Virginia USBC pool barrier provisions; Chesterfield Building Inspection pool guide
For above-ground pools, the side of the pool may qualify as the barrier if the pool is 48 inches tall, or the barrier may mount on top of the pool structure. In each case, the ladder must be removable when not in use or have a gate that meets requirements listed under Access Gates.
Hot tubs and spas require no building permit in Chesterfield, but an electrical permit is required (plus a gas permit if gas-heated). An approved safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 may be substituted for a barrier and is checked at the electrical inspection.
Virginia USBC; Chesterfield Building Inspection pool guide
Hot tubs require no building permit, but an electrical permit is required. (The hot tub barrier will be inspected during the electrical inspection). Spas and Hot Tubs: Safety covers may be substituted for barriers provided such covers meet standard ASTM F1346.
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