Birmingham enforces the Alabama Residential Code (2021 International Residential Code, Appendix G), which requires every outdoor residential swimming pool to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with no openings that pass a 4-inch sphere and a maximum 2-inch gap below the barrier. Public and apartment-complex pools fall under the stricter Jefferson County Board of Health rules, which require a minimum 4-foot fence with self-closing, self-latching, lockable gates.
Birmingham adopts the International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Edition for detached one- and two-family dwellings through Section (b) of its Technical Code (Ordinance 15-164, 2024 Technical Code). Private swimming pool barriers are governed by IRC Appendix G, Section AG105.2: the top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool, the maximum vertical clearance below the barrier is 2 inches, and openings must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing with a self-latching device, and must be equipped to accommodate a locking device. For public pools, apartment pools, condominium pools, and similar facilities in Birmingham, the Jefferson County Department of Health Rules and Regulations Governing the Design, Construction, and Operation of Public Swimming Pools and Spas, Section 8.13, require a complete enclosure with a minimum four-foot height, a maximum two-inch horizontal gap between vertical members, a maximum two-inch gap under the enclosure, and self-closing/positive self-latching gates with permanent locking devices.
Residential pool-barrier violations are enforced by the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits through its adopted building/residential code; the Building, Code, or Fire Official may require corrective work. For public and apartment pools, the Jefferson County Board of Health may close a pool until corrections are made and may seek an injunction in Jefferson County Circuit Court for any violation of its regulations.
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