Alpharetta, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

The Unified Development Code sets three layers of pool rules for the City of Alpharetta. First, anyone building a pool submits a construction plan to the Building Official for approval before work starts under Section 2.3.3.B. Second, the pool itself and its auxiliary equipment must sit at least 20 feet from side and rear property lines, or match the principal house's setback if that number is smaller, and a pool cannot go in the front yard or closer to the street than the house. Pool houses, cabanas and similar accessory buildings get their own 10-foot side and rear setback.

Third, and the focus of this rule, every pool needs a fence at least 5 feet tall built so no opening lets a 4-inch diameter sphere through, which rules out wide-gapped rail or lattice designs. The gate must be self-closing and self-latching so it cannot be propped open, and the whole barrier has to be kept in good repair. The fence placement also cannot create a blind corner at a road intersection. Community Development inspects the fence as part of pool permit sign-off, and the Director of Community Development can order a stop-work notice or refuse further permits on the property until the barrier meets code, per UDC Section 5.9.1. This applies inside the City of Alpharetta; unincorporated Fulton County and neighboring Roswell, Milton and Johns Creek set their own pool barrier standards.