Private pools in Kent must have a barrier at least 4 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates per IBC Appendix G and IRC Section R326. Public pools must meet the 6-foot (72-inch) barrier under WAC 246-260.
Residential pools and spas over 24 inches deep in Kent must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall under the adopted International Residential Code, Section R326, and International Building Code Appendix G. Gates must swing away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Spaces between vertical members must be 1.75 inches or less. Chain-link mesh cannot exceed 1.25 inches unless slatted down to 1.75 inches. A house wall used as part of the barrier must have all doors equipped with alarms that sound for at least 30 seconds when opened. Public and semi-public pools (apartment complexes, HOAs) must meet the taller 72-inch barrier under WAC 246-260-031 enforced by King County Public Health. Pool permits are required for any in-ground pool or above-ground pool with water depth over 24 inches.
Pool barrier non-compliance is a building code violation that blocks final inspection and can result in stop-use orders. Liability for unsecured pools is severe.
Kent, WA
Kent decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 and KCC 8.05 using EDNA zones. Residential receiving limit is 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial sources are cappe...
Kent, WA
Kent industrial sources are capped at 70 dBA day and 65 dBA night at another industrial property, but only 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night when received at a res...
Kent, WA
Kent enforces nighttime noise limits under KCC 8.05 and WAC 173-60. Residential receiving-property limit drops from 55 dBA daytime to 45 dBA from 10 PM to 7 ...
Kent, WA
Aircraft in flight and airport operations are exempt from Kent and Washington noise standards under WAC 173-60 and federal preemption. Sea-Tac (SEA) noise is...
Kent, WA
Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Kent residential streets except for active loading. Warehouse districts and truck routes h...
Kent, WA
Kent follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at Kent Station and sev...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle pool barriers.
See how Kent's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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