Boone County, MO Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted Code
- 2015 International Residential Code with local addendums
- Depth Threshold
- More than 24 inches of water
- Barrier Height
- At least 48 inches outside
- Opening Limit
- 4-inch sphere may not pass
- Gate Latch
- Self-closing, self-latching, 54+ inches high
- Permit Office
- Resource Management, (573) 886-4330
Summary
Missouri has no statewide residential pool law and relies on locally adopted IRC. Boone County has adopted the International Residential Code with local addendums (the 2015 IRC by Commission Order 2017) for unincorporated areas. Under IRC Section R326/Appendix G, residential pools and spas capable of containing water more than 24 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Building permits are required for swimming pools in unincorporated Boone County and are issued through Boone County Resource Management.
3109.4 Residential swimming pools: Delete exception.
3109.4 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall comply with Sections 3109.4.1 through 3109.5. Residential swimming pools shall be enclosed by a barrier consisting of metal chain link fence, wood, stone or masonry or other material approved by the building official. All swimming pool excavation sites are required to be enclosed by a temporary construction barrier during installation. A permanent barrier shall be installed upon completion of the pool structure. IRC-2015 1
COMMISSION OID?ERNUMBER jLftJ-J..D I ]
Effective date: L} - / - JJ
A COMMISSION ORDER ADOPTING AND GOVERNING THE FABRICATION, ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LOCATION AND USE OF ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS, THEIR APPURTENANCES AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES IN THE JURISDICTION OF BOONE COUNTY, MISSOURI: AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS THEREFORE PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF, AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT THEREWITH.
Be it ordained by the Boone County Commission of the jurisdiction of Boone County, Missouri as follows:
Full Breakdown
Boone County does not have an independently codified pool ordinance; pool barrier rules come from the Boone County Building Code, which adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) with local addendums. The 2015 IRC was adopted by Commission Order in 2017 (the 2015 Building Code Addendums document is published by Resource Management). Under IRC requirements applicable to one- and two-family dwellings, a pool or spa containing water more than 24 inches in depth must have a barrier (fence, wall, or building wall) at least 48 inches in measured vertical height on the outside; openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere; horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches apart must be on the pool side; gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward away from the pool, with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground.
When a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool must have an alarm or the pool must have an approved safety cover (ASTM F1346). Pools, hot tubs, and spas are listed by Resource Management as additions requiring a building permit. Beginning June 1, 2026, a separate setback inspection is required for pool permits. ) enforce their own pool barrier provisions inside city limits.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a pool without a permit, or with a non-compliant barrier, is a violation of the Boone County Building Code. Resource Management can issue a stop-work order and refuse a certificate of occupancy until corrected. Continuing violations are referred to the Prosecuting Attorney; each day may be treated as a separate offense. Drowning incidents at non-compliant pools can also support civil negligence claims against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my above-ground pool in unincorporated Boone County need a fence?
Do I need a building permit for a hot tub?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boone County
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