Saint Paul requires all pools to be enclosed by an obscuring fence with self-closing, self-latching gates. Minimum height is 4 feet for 1-2 family homes and 5 feet for multi-family.
Under Sec. 60.209 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, all yards containing swimming pools must be enclosed by an obscuring barrier fence. For one- and two-family residential structures, the minimum fence height is 4 feet. For residential structures with three or more dwelling units and commercial properties, the minimum fence height is 5 feet. All pool enclosure gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch mechanism placed on the pool side of the gate or high enough to be out of reach of small children. The fence must fully enclose the pool area with no gaps that would allow unsupervised access by young children. Pool barrier fences require a permit and mandatory inspection by the Department of Safety and Inspections before the pool may be used. These requirements align with the Minnesota State Building Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted by reference.
Operating a pool without the required barrier fence is a code violation subject to an immediate compliance order. The pool may not be filled or used until the barrier fence passes inspection. Continued noncompliance can result in administrative citations and fines through the Department of Safety and Inspections.
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See how Saint Paul's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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