NY Residential Code Appendix G and §R326 require a 48-inch minimum barrier around pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates are mandatory. Pool alarms are required on pools built or modified after Dec 14, 2006. Applies to all Orange County NY pools including Newburgh, Middletown, and Goshen.
Every swimming pool, spa, and hot tub in Orange County with water depth over 24 inches must be enclosed by a minimum 48-inch barrier under NY Residential Code Appendix G (effective May 12, 2020). Gates must open away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 40 inches above grade on the pool side. Vertical members may be no more than 4 inches apart; chain-link mesh may be no more than 2¼ inches (or 1¾ with slats). A temporary 48-inch barrier is required during pool construction, replaced by a permanent fence within 90 days. Pool alarms meeting ASTM F2208 are required on all pools built or substantially altered after December 14, 2006 under NY Executive Law §387(14) and 19 NYCRR §1228.2. Orange County municipalities (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen, Warwick, Wallkill) enforce through the building department; final inspection is required before water is added.
Pool without barrier: up to $5,000 and/or 15 days jail per day of violation. Missing pool alarm: $500 first offense, $1,000 subsequent. Failure to pass final inspection: permit revoked.
Orange County, NY
Amplified music audible beyond property lines after 10 PM is a violation in most Orange County municipalities. Outdoor venue permits required for events at B...
Orange County, NY
Overnight on-street parking in Orange County NY varies by municipality. The City of Newburgh bans on-street parking 2 AM to 6 AM from November through April ...
Orange County, NY
NY Ag & Markets §123 permits local leash laws. Most Orange County towns require dogs leashed off-owner-property. Orange County parks (Thomas Bull Memorial, A...
Orange County, NY
Orange County NY follows NY State Fire Code and 6 NYCRR Part 215. Recreational fires allowed in towns under 20,000 population with restrictions. Towns set lo...
Orange County, NY
Orange County NY has moderate wildfire risk concentrated in the Hudson Highlands, Shawangunk Ridge, and Harriman/Bear Mountain State Park areas. Unlike weste...
Orange County, NY
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Orange County NY. Rain barrels for non-potable garden and landscape use are encouraged by the NY DEC and Cornell Coope...
See how Middletown's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.