Above-ground pools holding water over 24 inches deep need a permit and a 48-inch barrier just like in-ground pools. NC Residential Code lets the pool's own wall serve as the barrier only if it is 48 inches high everywhere and the manufacturer allows it.
NC Residential Code Section NCA105.5 allows an above-ground pool wall to act as the required barrier when the bottom of the wall is on grade, the top of the wall is at least 48 inches above grade for the entire perimeter, the wall meets Section NCA105.2, and the manufacturer permits it. Where a ladder or steps provide access, they must be removable, capable of being secured, or surrounded by a compliant barrier so children cannot climb in. Because the water is deeper than 24 inches, a building permit and electrical permit still apply. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections checks setbacks and barrier compliance before approval.
An above-ground pool without a compliant barrier or securable ladder will fail inspection; unpermitted installation is subject to State Building Code enforcement and civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
forsyth-county-nc
Home backyard composting is allowed in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. There is no ordinance requiring or banning it, but a compost pile must not become a nuis...
forsyth-county-nc
Neither Winston-Salem nor Forsyth County has a specific ordinance banning or mandating artificial turf for home lawns. Its use is governed by general zoning,...
forsyth-county-nc
Since 2024 Winston-Salem lets residents replace lawns with registered Natural Landscape Areas of native plants. Turf grass must stay under eight inches, area...
forsyth-county-nc
Collecting rainwater is legal in North Carolina, and no county or city may prohibit cisterns or rain barrels used for irrigation. Forsyth County sets no ban....
forsyth-county-nc
North Carolina has no statewide homeowner watering ban, and there is no permanent year-round schedule in Winston-Salem/Forsyth. Mandatory odd/even watering d...
forsyth-county-nc
Winston-Salem defines 'rank noxious vegetation' over eight inches as a nuisance, including non-native grasses, invasive plants, poisonous plants, and untende...
See how Forsyth 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.