Oklahoma County, OK Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Oklahoma County residential swimming pool barrier requirements follow International Residential Code Appendix G as adopted by Oklahoma City §155-40, Edmond Code §22-200, and other municipalities. All residential pools, spas, and hot tubs holding water deeper than 24 inches must be completely enclosed by a barrier meeting these requirements: minimum 48-inch height measured from grade on the outside, maximum 4-inch gap between bottom of barrier and ground, no more than 4-inch openings that would allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, no horizontal members between 45 and 48 inches apart (which could create a climbing aid), and gates that are self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade or on the pool side of the gate. House walls can form part of the barrier if doors leading to the pool area have either (a) audible alarms that sound when opened, or (b) self-closing/self-latching mechanisms, or (c) pool cover with safety-rated properties. Above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher may serve as their own barrier. Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top 10 states for child drownings per capita, driving strict enforcement. Inspections happen at permit issuance. Failure to maintain barriers after permit closure can trigger code enforcement following complaints. Liability exposure for pool owners significant — Oklahoma applies attractive nuisance doctrine to unfenced pools.