Caldwell, ID Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Caldwell City Code 10-12-03-1(3)C states that swimming pools in all zoning districts must be set back ten feet (10') from all property lines and that 'barriers shall be provided and regulated under the adopted building codes regulation swimming pools and spas.' Caldwell honestly defers the barrier standard to its adopted building code rather than spelling out fence heights in the zoning ordinance. City Code 12-01-01 adopts the 2018 International Residential Code including Appendix G, which governs residential swimming pool and spa barriers. Under the 2018 IRC Appendix G, the pool barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured on the side facing away from the pool, must not have openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, and access gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening away from the pool. These are building-code requirements enforced through the permit and inspection process, not separate Caldwell zoning rules. Note that Caldwell's general fence ordinance (10-02-07) is a separate zoning regulation governing fence heights and placement on a lot - residential front-yard open fencing is capped at four feet (4') and side/rear fencing at six feet (6') - and a pool barrier must satisfy both the building-code safety standard and any applicable zoning fence limits. Confirm exact barrier and gate details with the Building Safety Division.