Bethlehem, PA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Bethlehem does not have a separate local pool-fence standard - Zoning Code § 1322(yy)(4) directly refers pool-fence design to the PA UCC, which adopts the 2018 ISPSC. ISPSC § 305 (PA statewide UCC) requires: barrier top at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool; the maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches when the finished ground surface is below grade, or 4 inches when finished ground is level; openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; solid barriers without decorative cutouts shall not contain indentations or protrusions that could be used as a climbing aid; chain-link barriers shall have a maximum mesh size of 1-3/4 inches measured horizontally unless slats are installed; horizontal members on the pool side, if spaced less than 45 inches apart, get additional climb-aid restrictions (mesh < 1-3/4 in or vertical posts only); pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and the release mechanism must be at least 54 inches above grade (or be located on the pool side and shielded). Bethlehem Zoning layers on top: water surface 6 feet from any side or rear lot line (§ 1306.03(b)(4)); pools in the RT district set back at least 20 feet from the front lot line (§ 1322(yy)(1)); pools must meet the structure front-yard setback in other residential districts; no pool between the principal building and the front lot line (§ 1306.03(c)); decks over 3 feet adjacent to a pool must be 6 feet from any lot line (§ 1322(yy)(3)). Where the dwelling wall serves as one side of the barrier (a common design for in-ground pools off the back patio), doors that open directly into the pool enclosure must have an alarm meeting UL 2017 or a self-closing / self-latching door per ISPSC § 305.4. Hot-tub / spa covers, to substitute for a fence under ISPSC § 305.5, must meet the ASTM F1346 safety-cover standard.