5 rules for unincorporated Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Verified from official government sources
Jefferson Parish requires a building permit to construct a swimming pool. Only small prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep accessory to a home are exempt. Fencing and permanently installed pool equipment also require permits.
Jefferson Parish, When Do I Need / Not Need a Permit
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy, which are less than 24 inches deep [do not require a building permit].
Louisiana's adopted swimming pool code (ISPSC Sec. 305) governs Jefferson Parish residential pools. The barrier top must be at least 48 inches above grade, with no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom and no gap passing a 4-inch sphere. Gates must self-close and self-latch.
ISPSC Sec. 305 (Louisiana-adopted pool/spa barrier code)
1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade. 2. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches. 3. Openings in the barrier shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the pool barrier, Louisiana's adopted pool code requires added protection: a door alarm audible when opened, a self-closing/self-latching door, or a listed safety cover. Pool equipment must sit at least 36 inches outside the barrier.
ISPSC Sec. 305 (Clear Zone), Louisiana-adopted
Where equipment, including pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters, is on the same lot as a pool or spa and such equipment is located outside of the barrier protecting the pool or spa, such equipment shall be located not less than 36 inches from the outside of the barrier.
Above-ground pools in Jefferson Parish must control access. If the pool wall is the barrier, the ladder or steps must be lockable or removable. Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep are permit-exempt; deeper ones need a permit and a compliant barrier.
ISPSC Sec. 305 (Above Ground Pools), Louisiana-adopted
Where an above ground pool structure is used as a barrier... the ladder or steps shall be capable of being locked or removed to prevent access... any opening created shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Under Louisiana's adopted pool and spa code, spas and hot tubs are treated like pools for barrier purposes. Glazing next to a spa within 60 inches of a walking surface must be safety glazing. A listed safety cover can satisfy the barrier requirement.
ISPSC Sec. 305 (Glazing Hazardous Location), Louisiana-adopted
Glazing in walls, enclosures or fences containing or adjacent to hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, saunas... where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches measured vertically above any standing or walking surface shall be a hazardous location.
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