Worcester County, MA Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Swimming pool barrier requirements in Worcester County come from two state regulations enforced locally. 105 CMR 435.01 et seq. (Department of Public Health Sanitary Code Chapter V) applies to all swimming pools including residential. Pools built before October 2, 1975: minimum 4-foot fence with self-latching gates. Pools built on or after October 2, 1975: minimum 6-foot fence (5 feet for board/stockade fence types), self-latching gates with latches at minimum 4 feet height, openings no wider than 3 inches. 780 CMR Appendix G (residential pool barriers, based on ISPSC) provides additional modern standards: minimum 48-inch barrier measured from pool-side ground surface, maximum 4-inch gap at bottom, self-closing/self-latching gate with latch minimum 54 inches above grade opening away from pool, no handholds or footholds on exterior face. These requirements apply to any pool (in-ground, above-ground, spas, hot tubs) with 24+ inches of water. House walls may serve as part of the barrier if doors have alarms (minimum 85 dB) per 780 CMR Appendix G, power safety cover, or self-closing devices. Above-ground pool walls 48+ inches high with removable ladder may satisfy barrier rules. Permits required for all new pool installations under 780 CMR 105. Board of Health inspection required before use under 105 CMR 435. Violations trigger immediate closure orders.