Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-265a and the state building code mandate four-foot barriers and pool alarms on all residential swimming pools statewide. These uniform requirements apply through every municipal building department and cannot be relaxed locally.
CGS Section 29-265a requires that no building permit issue for construction or substantial alteration of a residential swimming pool unless a pool alarm is installed. The Connecticut State Building Code, adopted statewide under CGS Section 29-252, incorporates pool barrier requirements: a minimum 48-inch barrier surrounding outdoor private in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground pools, hot tubs, and spas; openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere; gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Effective July 1, 2025, the updated code eliminates automatic pool covers as a standalone alternative to fencing. Local building officials enforce these uniform standards; municipalities cannot reduce the state minimums.
Building permits will be denied or revoked; certificates of occupancy withheld; violations of the state building code carry fines up to $250 per day under CGS Section 29-254a and may trigger civil liability for drowning incidents.
See how Norwich's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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