5 rules for unincorporated Orange County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Building permits are required for every pool over 24 inches deep in Orange County NY under the 2020 NY Uniform Code and 19 NYCRR Part 1226. Permits are issued by the town or city building department (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen, Warwick, Wallkill). Typical fees run $100-$350. A final inspection covering barrier, alarm, GFCI, and bonding is required before the pool may be used.
Per NY Residential Code 19 NYCRR 1220 Appendix G (effective May 12, 2020, mandatory statewide), pool barriers in Orange County NY must be at least 48 inches tall with vertical openings no larger than 4 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground. Applies to all residential pools over 24 inches deep, including inflatables.
NY requires pool alarms on all residential pools under NY General Business Law 224-a and 19 NYCRR 1228.2 for pools built or substantially modified after December 14, 2006. Anti-entrapment drain covers compliant with the federal VGB Act are required on all drains. Towns in Orange County NY enforce through building inspection before issuing final Certificate of Occupancy.
Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in Orange County NY require a building permit and fully compliant barriers equal to in-ground pools under 2020 NY Residential Code Appendix G. The pool wall itself may serve as the barrier if at least 48 inches tall with a removable or lockable ladder. Typical town setback is 10 ft from side/rear lot lines per local zoning (Newburgh, Middletown, Wallkill, Warwick).
Hot tubs and spas over 24 inches deep in Orange County NY require building and electrical permits. A lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 satisfies the barrier requirement in lieu of a fence under NY Residential Code AG105.5. GFCI protection is mandatory per NEC Art. 680 on all spa circuits. Enforcement is handled by the town building department (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen, Wallkill, Warwick).
See every category we cover for Orange County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Orange County Ordinance Hub →