5 rules for unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Prince George's County requires a DPIE building permit to install any residential pool, spa or hot tub, plus an electrical permit for equipment. The County enforces the International Residential Code adopted under the Maryland Building Performance Standards and amended by County Code Subtitle 4.
Prince George's County enforces the International Residential Code pool-barrier standard through DPIE. Outdoor residential pools must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high, with no opening passing a 4-inch sphere and self-closing, self-latching gates opening away from the pool, per IRC Section AG105.2.
IRC Section AG105.2 (Maryland Residential Code, via County Code Subtitle 4)
An outdoor swimming pool ... shall be surrounded by a barrier ... The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool ... Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
Residential pool safety in Prince George's County follows the International Residential Code pool appendix, enforced by DPIE. Beyond the 48-inch barrier, house doors with direct pool access need alarms or self-closing hardware, and pools need anti-entrapment drains. Public and HOA pools also need a Health Department permit.
A permanent above-ground pool in Prince George's County needs a DPIE building permit and must meet the same 48-inch IRC barrier standard as an in-ground pool. Where the pool wall is 48 inches high it can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or securable when unattended.
A permanently installed hot tub or spa in Prince George's County needs DPIE building and electrical permits. Under the International Residential Code the barrier is waived for a spa or hot tub with a safety cover complying with ASTM F1346; otherwise the 48-inch pool barrier standard applies.
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