Massachusetts requires all residential swimming pools to comply with statewide barrier requirements under the State Building Code 780 CMR, mandating fences at least four feet high with self-closing self-latching gates.
780 CMR Chapter 31 (Special Construction) and the residential pool provisions adopt the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code requiring barriers no less than 48 inches high around all pools deeper than 24 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward from the pool. The Board of Building Regulations and Standards has exclusive authority over building code under MGL c. 143 s. 95, preempting inconsistent local rules.
Stop work orders, occupancy denial, fines up to $1,000 per offense under MGL c. 143 s. 94, civil liability for drowning incidents.
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Bourne, MA
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