Pima County requires barrier fencing around all swimming pools, including above-ground pools, per ARS 36-1681 and county building code. Above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher may use the pool wall as the barrier if access points are secured. A building permit is generally required.
Arizona ARS 36-1681 mandates that all residential swimming pools (including above-ground pools with a depth of 18 inches or more) be enclosed by a barrier meeting specific requirements. Pima County Development Services enforces these requirements in unincorporated areas. Above-ground pools with non-climbable walls at least 48 inches high measured from grade may use the pool wall itself as the required barrier, provided that the access ladder or steps can be removed or locked when the pool is not in use. If pool walls are lower than 48 inches, a separate fence meeting the 5-foot barrier requirement must be installed. A building permit from Pima County Development Services is required for permanent above-ground pool installations and associated electrical work (pump, filter, lighting). Portable wading pools under 18 inches deep are exempt. The pool barrier must have self-closing, self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches above grade on the exterior side.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Pima County, AZ
Pima County Code §9.30.070 restricts outdoor construction noise to permitted hours. Concrete work: 5 AM–7 PM (Apr 15–Oct 15) and 6 AM–7 PM (Oct 16–Apr 14). A...
Pima County, AZ
Pima County Code Chapter 9.30 and animal control code (Chapter 6.04) cover excessive animal noise. Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) handles barking dog complai...
Pima County, AZ
Pima County Code Chapter 9.30 prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or offensive noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or causes discomfort ...
Pima County, AZ
Pima County has no outdoor music or amplified sound ordinance for unincorporated areas. ARS 13-2916 applies to unreasonable noise. Event venues may have CUP ...
Pima County, AZ
Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.67 regulates fences and walls in unincorporated areas. Front-yard walls max 3 feet in residential zones. Side/rear walls m...
Pima County, AZ
ARS 36-1681 requires 5-ft pool barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates in Pima County. Applies to all pools 18+ inches deep. Door alarms or safety co...
See how Pima County's above-ground pools rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.