5 rules for unincorporated Sarpy County, Nebraska.
Verified from official government sources
Sarpy County requires a building permit before any pool is dug or set in the unincorporated county. Nebraska adopts the 2018 IRC statewide under Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-6403, and the county layers its own zoning setbacks and barrier rules on top.
Neb. Rev. Stat. §71-6403(1)(b)
The International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, except section R313 and chapters 25 through 33, published by the International Code Council
Unincorporated Sarpy County sets a taller bar than the base building code: Section 34.9.3 requires every outdoor pool to be fully enclosed by a fence or wall at least 60 inches high, with no gap wider than 4 inches.
Sarpy County, NE, Zoning Regulations Sec. 34.9.3 (Fences Surrounding Pools)
Every outdoor pool shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than 60 inches in height, which shall be so constructed as not to have openings, holes, or gaps larger than 4 inches in any dimension except for doors and gates; and if a picket fence is erected or maintained, the horizontal dimension shall not exceed 4 inches.
Beyond the fence, Sarpy County Section 34.9.3 requires every pool gate to be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 45 inches above grade. Federal law adds anti-entrapment drain covers and the IRC adds GFCI protection.
Sarpy County, NE, Zoning Regulations Sec. 34.9.3 (Fences Surrounding Pools)
All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device located at least 45 inches above grade level for keeping the gate or door securely closed at all times, except that the door of any dwelling which forms a part of the enclosure need not be so equipped.
An above-ground pool gets no pass in unincorporated Sarpy County. Section 34.9.3 applies the same 60-inch barrier and 4-inch-gap rules to any outdoor pool 24 inches or more deep, and a permit is still required.
Sarpy County, NE, Zoning Regulations Sec. 34.9.3 (Fences Surrounding Pools)
The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all outdoor pools which have a depth of 24 inches as regulated under the International Plumbing Code.
Sarpy County gives hot tubs their own rule. Section 34.9.4 lets an outdoor spa skip the pool fence if it has a rigid cover kept closed whenever the spa is not in use; otherwise a compliant enclosure is required.
Sarpy County, NE, Zoning Regulations Sec. 34.9.4 (Hot tub/Spa Enclosure)
Every outdoor spa shall be equipped with a rigid cover and be covered at all times when not in use or an enclosure shall be provided that complies with Section 34.8.3.
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