Richmond requires 4-foot minimum barrier around all residential pools with self-closing and self-latching gates, per the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Gate latches must be 54 inches above grade.
Residential swimming pools in Richmond must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high on the outside under the Virginia USBC Section R326 and ISPSC. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch release mechanism at least 54 inches above grade. Openings in the barrier cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Above-ground pools with walls at least 48 inches and removable or lockable ladders may use the pool wall as the barrier. Pool alarms on doors providing access from the house to the pool area are required when the house wall serves as part of the barrier. Inspections are performed by Richmond Building Inspections during pool construction and at final certificate of occupancy.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Richmond's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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