An above-ground pool in Whatcom County needs building and plumbing permits and a compliant barrier, but a prefabricated pool installed entirely above ground and less than 24 inches deep at a single-family home is exempt from permitting.
Whatcom County treats a permanent above-ground pool as a residential pool: building and plumbing permits apply, and IBC Section 3109 barrier rules govern access. A pool wall at least 48 inches high can serve as the barrier when the ladder or steps are removable, lockable, or enclosed. GFCI-protected electrical and drainage that stays off neighboring lots are inspected. The clear exception is a prefabricated pool installed entirely above ground, under 24 inches deep, accessory to a single-family residence.
A climbable ladder left on the pool, or a wall under 48 inches without a barrier, fails inspection. Permanent pools installed without permits face after-the-fact fees.
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