Franklin, TN Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

The City of Franklin adopted the 2018 ISPSC effective January 1, 2019 and the 2024 ISPSC via Ordinance 2025-37, effective January 1, 2026, amending Title 12, Chapter 7 of the Franklin Municipal Code. The applicable barrier section (ISPSC 305 - Barrier Requirements) provides: the top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool; the maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool (or 4 inches when the top of the pool structure is at least 48 inches above grade for above-ground pools); openings in the barrier shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere; solid barriers shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances; for fences where horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members shall be on the swimming pool side and spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1-3/4 inches; chain-link maximum mesh is 1-1/4 inch square unless slats reduce openings to 1-3/4 inches; gates shall comply with the barrier requirements, be equipped with a locking device, be self-closing and self-latching, and pedestrian gates shall open outward away from the pool. If the release mechanism is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it shall be located on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, ISPSC 305.4 requires doors with direct pool access to be equipped with an alarm complying with UL 2017, a self-closing/self-latching device, a powered safety cover complying with ASTM F 1346, or an approved alternative. The City of Franklin's Swimming Pool Procedures (Building and Neighborhood Services) confirms the local rule: 'An outdoor swimming pool, including an in-ground, aboveground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa shall be provided with a barrier' and 'openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch opening,' and 'Barriers shall be located so as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers.' These requirements apply statewide under TCA Title 68, Chapter 120.