Cornelius, NC Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Cornelius enforces the North Carolina Residential Code Appendix V (2018 edition, based on 2015 IRC) for all residential swimming pools holding 24 inches or more of water. Barrier must be 48 inches minimum measured from the exterior grade side, non-climbable, with openings no larger than a 4-inch sphere. Gates must open outward away from pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism 54 inches above finished floor/grade. A 2-inch maximum clearance at the bottom of barrier applies. If the dwelling wall serves as one side of the barrier, all doors/windows accessing the pool must have audible UL 2017 alarms or the pool must have an ASTM F1346 safety cover. Chain-link mesh cannot exceed 2.25 inches. Above-ground pools with 48-inch structural walls qualify as their own barrier when ladders/steps are removed or locked. Spas/hot tubs with ASTM F1346 hard covers are exempt. Permit required from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (Cornelius uses county building inspection). All pools in the Lake Norman shoreline buffer must also comply with the Catawba-Wateree Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0243).