Washington County requires pool and spa barriers meeting Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G / Chapter 42. Minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate. Inspected at building permit.
Pool barriers in unincorporated Washington County are regulated through the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (2021 ORSC) Chapter 42. Minimum barrier height is 48 inches above grade on the outside face. Maximum ground clearance under the barrier is 2 inches. Vertical member spacing cannot exceed 1.75 inches when horizontal rails are less than 45 inches apart, or 4 inches when rails are 45+ inches apart. Chain-link mesh cannot exceed 2.25 inches (or 1.75 with slats). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches 54+ inches above grade and opening away from the pool. Doors from the house into the pool area must have alarms or be equipped with self-closing/self-latching hardware. Spas and hot tubs with an ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover are exempt from barrier requirements. Pool defined by ORSC as structure holding water over 24 inches deep. Inspections occur at pool building permit issuance and final.
Non-compliant barrier: fail final inspection, pool cannot be filled or used. Correction required before certificate of occupancy. Civil liability in event of drowning. Fines under Chapter 8.20 up to $500 per day.
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