All residential pools in Buffalo with water over 24 inches deep must be fully enclosed by a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per NY State Uniform Building Code. Alarms are required on any house door opening directly to the pool area.
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR Part 1200+) governs residential pool barriers, adopted into Buffalo Building Code. All swimming pools, including in-ground, above-ground over 24 inches deep, and inflatable pools holding over 24 inches of water, must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall. The barrier must have no openings larger than 4 inches, no climbable features, and any gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above ground. Doors from the house opening directly to the pool area must have audible alarms. Pool barrier inspections are required at initial pool installation permitting through the Department of Permit and Inspection Services. Hot tubs with lockable rigid safety covers are exempt. Violations can result in stop-use orders and fines up to $1,000.
First offense: correction notice plus $500. Continued: up to $1,000 per day and stop-use order.
Buffalo, NY
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