Pool barriers in Yakima are governed by the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) adopted in YMC 11.22, which incorporates IRC Appendix V (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs). AGV105.2 requires a barrier at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, with no opening permitting passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, a maximum 2-inch grade-to-bottom clearance (4 inches over concrete or fixed solid material), and pedestrian access gates that open outward away from the pool with self-closing and self-latching devices. Yakima's YMC 15.05.020(G) 6-foot residential fence height and clear-view-triangle rules apply to the perimeter fence used as a barrier.
YMC Chapter 11.22 (Residential Code) adopts the Washington State Residential Code as published by the International Code Council and maintained by the Washington State Building Code Council under Chapter 51-51 WAC. WAC 51-51 currently incorporates the 2018 IRC with Washington amendments. IRC Appendix V Section AGV105.2 Item 1 (as adopted under WAC 51-51) provides: 'The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, such as an above-ground pool, the barrier is authorized to be at ground level... Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches.' Item 2: 'Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.' Item 8: 'Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a self-latching device.' Pool perimeter fences also must comply with YMC 15.05.020(G) height limits and YMC 15.05.040 clear view triangle. Under RCW 19.27 (State Building Code Act), Yakima applies these residential pool-barrier standards as written by the State Building Code Council.
A residential pool barrier shorter than 48 inches above grade violates IRC Appendix V (WAC 51-51) as adopted by YMC 11.22. A barrier with openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass, or with a grade-to-bottom gap over 2 inches (4 inches over concrete/solid surface), is non-compliant. A pedestrian access gate that does not open outward, is not self-closing, or lacks a self-latching device violates AGV105.2 Item 8. Failed barrier inspection by the City of Yakima Codes Division will block final pool approval.
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