Columbus, OH Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Ohio applies a uniform statewide residential building code under Ohio R.C. 3781.10 - the Residential Code of Ohio for One-, Two-, and Three-Family Dwellings, codified at OAC 4101:8. Appendix AG of the Ohio Residential Code (which adopts IRC Appendix G / Section AG105) governs residential swimming pool, spa, and hot tub barriers and is enforced by the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services through Title 41 of the Columbus City Codes. The barrier rules apply to any pool, spa, or hot tub with water depth greater than 24 inches. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured on the side facing away from the pool. Solid barriers must not contain handholds or footholds. Openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. For fences with horizontal members on the pool side closer than 45 inches apart, vertical spacing is reduced to 1 3/4 inches; with horizontals 45 inches or more apart, openings up to 4 inches are allowed. Gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching; for gates with the release mechanism on the pool side, the release must be at least 3 inches below the top of the gate. Where a wall of the dwelling forms part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have an alarm or a self-closing/self-latching device, or the pool itself must have an approved safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. For public/semipublic pools, additional requirements under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-31-05.1 apply: a 48-inch perimeter barrier and self-closing/self-latching gates with the locking mechanism at least 38 inches above the ground. A building permit is required from the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (614-645-7433) for pool installation, and final inspection verifies barrier compliance.