Residential pool barriers in Bellingham follow the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) adopted under BMC Chapter 17.10 and the Washington State Building Code (Chapter 51-50 WAC), effective March 15, 2024. ISPSC Section 305.2 requires a barrier not less than 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool, openings that do not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, and pedestrian access gates that open outward away from the pool with a self-closing and self-latching device. Bellingham's perimeter pool fence must also satisfy the BMC 20.30.110 yard height limits (72 inches interior side/rear; 54 inches front interior lot; 42 inches corner lot or flanking street) and the BMC 20.12.060 vision clearance triangle.
BMC Chapter 17.10 (Building Codes) adopts the Washington State Building Code, including the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Washington amendments under Chapter 51-50 WAC, effective March 15, 2024 per the City of Bellingham Construction Codes page. ISPSC 2021 Section 305.2.1 (Barrier height and clearances) provides that 'The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.' Section 305.2.1 also requires this height around the entire perimeter and for a distance of 3 feet (914 mm) measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier. Section 305.2.2 (Openings) provides 'Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.' Section 305.3.1 (Pedestrian access doors and gates): 'Pedestrian access doors and gates shall open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device.' The bottom-of-barrier vertical clearance per ISPSC 305.2.1 is not more than 2 inches above grade (4 inches where the bottom rests on a solid surface). Residential pools, spas, and hot tubs are also governed by IRC Appendix V as adopted under WAC 51-51 where ISPSC provisions cross-reference. The perimeter pool fence must additionally meet BMC 20.30.110 yard height limits. Under RCW 19.27 (State Building Code Act), Bellingham applies the State Building Code Council's pool-barrier standards as written.
A residential pool barrier shorter than 48 inches above grade violates ISPSC 305.2.1 as adopted under BMC 17.10. A barrier with openings allowing a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass violates ISPSC 305.2.2. A pedestrian gate that does not open outward, is not self-closing, or lacks a self-latching device violates ISPSC 305.3.1. Failed barrier inspection by the Bellingham Permit Center will block the final pool inspection and the pool may not be placed in service.
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