Chicopee, MA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 275-32 of the Chicopee Code, part of the Zoning Ordinance in Chapter 275, sets three rules for swimming pools. Subsection A covers location: no pool for which a building permit is required can be located nearer than six feet to any lot line. Subsection B is the barrier rule. All such swimming pools, meaning the pools that need a building permit, must be enclosed by a chain link, secure fence or wall at least four feet high. The height is the only number in the barrier rule.

Gates and latches are handled by a judgment standard instead of a measurement. The location of the fences and the design of the gates and latches must be of a design which is reasonably secure for very young children in the opinion of the Building Commissioner. That opinion decides whether a particular gate and latch design qualifies, so the Building Department is the office that answers the question for a given yard.

Subsection C adds that no swimming pool can be located within the City unless it complies with appropriate state and local health codes and Statewide Building Code. Section 122-1 in the Building Construction chapter adopts the State Sanitary Standards for Swimming Pools, 105 CMR 435.00 et seq., and says the provisions of that standard are controlling within the limits of the City.

Section 275-5 puts enforcement of the zoning chapter on the Building Department. The Building Commissioner refuses to grant a permit for the construction or alteration of any building or structure that would violate the chapter and assesses and collects all fines. Section 122-1 also sets a separate penalty for ignoring an order of the Building Inspector or another authorized City employee.