5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Norfolk City, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Norfolk requires approved construction plans and permits from the Development Services Center before building any residential pool. Standards follow the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which localities cannot make stricter.
City of Norfolk, Building Code Guidelines for Residential Pools (rev. 5/24/2021)
No persons shall begin construction of a swimming pool nor substantially alter or reconstruct any swimming pool without having first submitted construction plans and specification to the Development Services Center for review and approval.
Every residential pool in Norfolk must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Height is measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool.
City of Norfolk, Building Code Guidelines for Residential Pools (rev. 5/24/2021)
The top of a pool barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the pool.
Norfolk pools must meet Virginia USBC and federal VGB Act safety standards: compliant barriers, self-latching gates, anti-entrapment drain covers, and GFCI-protected electrical. All inspections, including barrier protection, must pass before use.
City of Norfolk, Building Code Guidelines for Residential Pools (rev. 5/24/2021)
The permit holder is responsible for assuring all inspections have been completed and approved including fence protection prior to using the pool.
Norfolk treats above-ground and on-ground pools like in-ground pools: they need permits and a barrier. A pool wall at least 48 inches high can serve as the barrier if access is controlled.
City of Norfolk, Building Code Guidelines for Residential Pools (rev. 5/24/2021)
The top of a pool barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the pool.
Norfolk requires an electrical permit for a hot tub's 240-volt circuit, plus a barrier or a listed lockable safety cover. GFCI protection is mandatory and drainage cannot run onto neighbors.
1 cities in Norfolk City have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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