Minneapolis requires 4-foot barriers around residential pools and spas deeper than 24 inches under MN Building Code Appendix G and Code Chapter 52. Gates must self-close, self-latch, and doors need alarms.
Under the Minnesota State Building Code, which adopts IRC Appendix G, and Minneapolis Code Chapter 52 (Swimming Pools), every outdoor residential pool, in-ground or above-ground, or spa holding water deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Vertical openings must be less than 1.75 inches between members and the barrier may not have horizontal members less than 45 inches apart that would act as a climbing ladder. Gates must open outward away from the pool, self-close, and self-latch with the latch at least 54 inches above grade. Where a dwelling wall forms part of the barrier, any door opening into the pool enclosure must have an audible alarm triggered within 7 seconds of opening, or be self-closing with the latch at 54 inches. Above-ground pools with walls at least 48 inches high can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable when not in use. Permits are issued by the Construction Code Services division, which inspects the barrier before final approval. Failure to maintain the barrier is a Chapter 249 nuisance.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Minneapolis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Polit...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants u...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covena...
Minneapolis, MN
Outdoor kitchens in Minneapolis require separate trade permits from Construction Code Services: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit fo...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills at single-family homes. Multi-unit balcony smokers face the same...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis enforces the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minn. Rules Ch. 7511), which adopts the International Fire Code. IFC Β§308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cookin...
See how Minneapolis'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.