Swimming Pools & Spas in Howard County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Howard County adopts the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as its own Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and it treats a fence built to enclose a pool differently from every other backyard fence. A fence under 7 feet tall is normally exempt from a building permit, but Section 3.101 strips that exemption the moment the fence encloses a swimming pool.
Howard County: Pool Fences Always Need a Permit
Some RestrictionsHoward County Code § 3.101(26) (amending IBC § 105.2, Work exempt from permit)
(vii)Add the following as item 14 at the end of this Subsection: ... c.The following additional structures: ... 4Installation of fences unless the fence is over 7 feet high or encloses a swimming pool; or 5Installation of mailboxes.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Howard County adopted the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as part of its Building Code, requiring a protective barrier around every pool, and Code Section 3.101(b)(26) makes any fence that encloses a swimming pool subject to a building permit no matter its height, unlike ordinary yard fences under 7 feet.
Howard County Pool Barrier and Enclosure Rules
Some RestrictionsHoward County Code § 3.107(b)(6)-(8) (ISPSC amendments); § 3.101(b)(26) (fence permit exemption)
(6)Sections 103 through Section 114. Delete Section 103 through Section 114, inclusive and in their entirety and add new subsection 103 as follows: 103. Administration: Sections 103 through 118 of the International Building Code, 2024 edition, adopted in this subtitle, shall govern the administration and enforcement of this Code. (7)Subsection 305.1 General: After "ASTM F1346", insert "and appr...
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