Blaine, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Under Chapter 18, Article IX of the Blaine City Code, all private residential outdoor swimming pools must be made inaccessible when not in use by a non-climbable barrier. The city's handout states that installed pool barriers should be "at least 48 inches high from finished ground level, as measured along the outside of the barrier," with "no more than a 2 inch gap from the bottom of the barrier to the ground." That height must be maintained around the entire perimeter, and the non-climbable zone extends 3 feet measured horizontally outward from the required barrier so the pool cannot be reached by climbing nearby objects. Barrier, fencing, and post materials must be of substantial construction, decay- or corrosion-resistant, and capable of resisting a 200-pound lateral load applied in any direction at any point along the top. The required fencing must be completely installed at the time the pool is installed, and the pool may not be used until it complies. Hot tubs, spas, and inflatable pools are considered pools for barrier purposes. Note that Minnesota Rules 4717.1550 (which sets a five-foot fence and self-latching gate standard) applies to public pools, not private residential pools; Blaine's own City Code governs backyard residential barriers, so the 48-inch figure controls for homeowners. Homeowners should confirm gate, latch, and opening specifics with Building Inspections during permit review.