Albany County, NY Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

NYS Residential Code §AG105 and 19 NYCRR §1221 require all residential pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall. Gates must open outward from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with latch release mechanism at least 54 inches above grade. Openings must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Additionally, NY Executive Law §378(5-a) (Senator Luna's Pool Alarm Law, 2006) mandates that every residential swimming pool constructed after December 14, 2006 have a functioning pool alarm capable of detecting entry into the water; this alarm requirement is unique to New York. Above-ground pools with walls of 48+ inches may serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or secured. House walls may form part of the barrier when doors leading to the pool have audible alarms per §AG105.2. The Albany County Department of Health enforces commercial pool rules under 10 NYCRR Subpart 6-1; local building departments enforce residential. Hudson River floodplain properties in Coeymans must also account for flood elevation of pool equipment.