Charlotte enforces the North Carolina Residential Code Appendix NC-A (based on IRC Appendix AG and the ISPSC), which requires a barrier around any residential pool, spa, or hot tub holding water deeper than 24 inches. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high, with no opening that allows passage of a 4-inch sphere, and all gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward away from the pool.
Pool barrier rules in Charlotte are set by the North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC) Appendix NC-A, which the City of Charlotte enforces through Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement and Charlotte Development Services permitting. Per NCA102.1, a swimming pool is any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep, including in-ground, above-ground, on-ground pools, hot tubs, and spas. NCA105.2.1 requires the top of the barrier to be at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, with the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier no greater than 2 inches over non-solid surfaces (4 inches over solid surfaces such as concrete). Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere (NCA105.2.2). Where horizontal members are spaced less than 45 inches apart, vertical spacing between members must not exceed 1.75 inches (NCA105.2.5); where horizontals are 45 inches or more apart, vertical spacing must not exceed 4 inches (NCA105.2.6). Chain-link mesh openings are limited to 1.75 inches (NCA105.2.7). Per NCA105.3, pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device; non-pedestrian gates must remain locked when not in use. Self-latching release mechanisms must be installed at the proper height (54 inches max for self-locking types per NCA105.3.3). State enabling authority comes from NCGS Chapter 130A. A building permit is required to install a pool, spa, or barrier in Charlotte.
A pool installed without a code-compliant barrier cannot pass final inspection. Code Enforcement may issue notices of violation and require corrective work prior to use; unsafe pool conditions can also be abated as a public nuisance under local ordinance.
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