Wisconsin UDC SPS 390 and the state-adopted ISPSC require all residential pools and spas to be surrounded by a minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Madison (MGO §29.07), Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Sun Prairie, and Stoughton enforce these barriers at permit inspection.
Wisconsin adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) via DSPS SPS 390 and enforces barrier requirements under the Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 320-325) for residential pools. Any pool with water depth over 24 inches requires a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the exterior grade. Vertical fence members must be spaced less than 4 inches apart; horizontal members less than 1.75 inches if used as climbing aids. Gates must swing outward, be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above grade or on the pool side with a 3-inch shielded opening. A house wall can serve as part of the barrier if all doors leading to the pool have alarms meeting UL 2017 or self-closing/self-latching hardware. Above-ground pools with 48-inch-high rigid walls and removable ladders meet the requirement per ISPSC 305.2.9. Madison Building Inspection requires plan review and inspection before water fill under MGO §29.07. Dane County Ch. 10 Zoning requires 10-foot setback from property lines for in-ground pools.
Madison non-compliance: stop-use order, daily forfeitures $100 to $500 under MGO §29.21, and pool drained until inspected. Dane County shoreland pool violations escalate under Wis. Stat. §59.692. Civil liability for drowning is substantial; Wisconsin attractive-nuisance doctrine applies (Wis. JI-Civil 8045).
Dane County, WI
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See how Dane County's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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