Every residential pool, spa, or hot tub in Whatcom County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. The rule comes from the Washington State Building Code and is enforced at permit and inspection.
Pool barriers are one of the strictest residential rules in Whatcom County and apply countywide through the Washington State Building Code, which adopts the International Residential Code. Any residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high, with gaps small enough to stop a four-inch sphere and no footholds a child could climb. Pedestrian gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening away from the pool. A building permit and inspection are required before the pool is filled, whether the property is in unincorporated county, Bellingham, or Lynden.
A pool without a compliant 48-inch barrier fails inspection, and the county can bar its use until corrected. Unpermitted pools and missing self-latching gates draw enforcement and fines.
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