Peoria, IL Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Peoria, Illinois adopts the International Property Maintenance Code by reference through Chapter 5 (Buildings) of the City Code of Ordinances, available at library.municode.com/il/peoria. IPMC Section 303.1 requires every swimming pool, hot tub, and spa to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; IPMC Section 303.2 (Enclosures) then governs pool barriers. Any private swimming pool more than 24 inches deep must be completely surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches in height measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the release mechanism on the pool side of the gate and located at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate (or if the latch is on the outside, at least 54 inches above the bottom). Openings under the barrier must not exceed two inches, and the barrier cannot include footholds or handholds that would allow climbing. No existing enclosure may be removed, replaced, or modified in a way that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier. Peoria's Code Enforcement Division (part of Community Development, 309-494-8600) inspects pool barriers in response to complaints and during routine property maintenance inspections. Because Peoria's IPMC barrier height (60 inches) is stricter than the 48-inch minimum in IRC Appendix G, Peoria homeowners cannot rely on the lower IRC number. Illinois has no statewide residential pool barrier mandate (the Public Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Act 210 ILCS 125 covers commercial pools only), so the IPMC as adopted by Peoria is the controlling local authority.