Swimming Pools & Spas in Gaston County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Gaston County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Gaston County's UDO classifies residential pools as accessory structures, so a zoning permit and a building permit for the lot's principal structure must already be issued before anyone builds or places a pool. Skipping ahead of that sequence, even for an above-ground pool, violates Sec. 9.9.A.7.
Gaston County Pool Building Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsGaston County Unified Development Ordinance § 9.9.A.7
No accessory structure shall be constructed or placed on a lot prior to the issuance of a zoning permit and a building permit for the principal use or structure on the same lot.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
In unincorporated Gaston County, every outdoor or indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and spa must be enclosed by a barrier, a fence, wall, or combination that completely surrounds the water structure and blocks access to it. The barrier also has to meet North Carolina Building Code standards, and pools cannot sit in any front yard regardless of lot size.
Gaston County Pool Barrier Fence Rule
Some RestrictionsGaston County Unified Development Ordinance § 9.9.D.1
All outdoor or in-door swimming pools, including in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground, hot tubs or spas shall be enclosed by a barrier (a fence, wall, or combination thereof which completely surrounds the water structure and obstructs access to the water structure) and shall meet the North Carolina Building Code standards.
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