Yavapai County, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing ordinance
- Ordinance No. 2019-11, Sec. 305
- Minimum barrier height
- 60 inches
- Max gap under barrier (solid)
- 4 inches
- Gate type required
- Self-closing, self-latching
- Latch height
- 54 inches above ground
- Max sphere passage
- 4 inches
Summary
Yavapai County requires every outdoor pool and spa to sit inside a 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates under Ordinance No. 2019-11, its dedicated Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Gaps, climbable footholds, and low latches are all separately barred by section.
305.2.1 Barrier height and clearances. Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following: 1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a 60 inch (1524 mm) wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier (A.R.S. Sec.36-1681.B.1)... Section 305.3- Gates. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Sections 305.3.1 through 305.3.3 and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. All gates shall open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device (A.R.S. Sec.36-1681.B.3.b)
Full Breakdown
1 of Ordinance No. 2019-11 requires outdoor pools and spas to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches tall, measured on the outside, running the full perimeter and extending 3 feet beyond the barrier on all sides; the gap under the barrier is capped at 2 inches over soft ground and 4 inches over a solid surface, and the barrier cannot have handholds or footholds a person could climb. 9 set matching limits for horizontal member spacing (1-3/4 inches), chain link openings (1-3/4 inches), and a 36-inch clear zone between the barrier and any climbable equipment like pumps or filters.
3 requires every access gate to open outward, away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and be equipped for a locking device; utility gates not meant for pedestrians must stay locked whenever they are not in use. 3 puts the latch at least 54 inches above ground, or on the pool side of the gate with the release mechanism at least 5 inches below the top and no opening larger than 1/2 inch within 24 inches of the release. Where a dwelling wall forms part of the barrier, Sec.
4 requires a door/window alarm meeting UL 2017, a listed safety cover under ASTM F1346, or an equivalent self-latching door as protection. A pool with a motorized safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 and a key-switch release is exempt from the barrier sections under Sec. 1.
Violations & Fines
An unenclosed or non-compliant pool barrier is enforced through the county's Administrative Building Code, since Ordinance No. 2019-11 replaces its own administrative chapter with that code's provisions. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Sec. 114.1, and the Hearing Officer can fine an individual up to $750 or a corporation up to $10,000 per offense under Sec. 114.6, with each day the barrier stays out of compliance counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does my pool fence have to be in Yavapai County?
Does the pool gate have to lock itself?
Can my house wall count as part of the pool barrier?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yavapai County
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