Beaufort County, SC Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Beaufort County Building Codes enforces the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and related I-Codes adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council on October 6, 2021 with a January 1, 2023 effective date. Residential pool barriers fall under 2021 ISPSC Section 305, the recognized standard referenced for pool safety in South Carolina. Under Section 305, the top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool or spa. Openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Gates serving as part of the barrier must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and be self-latching, with the latch release at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate (or, if lower, located on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top). Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct access to the pool must be equipped with an alarm. Beaufort County permits are issued through the Citizen Self Service portal (beaufortcountysc-energovpub.tylerhost.net) and the barrier must be installed and operational before final inspection. Inspections can be requested at (843) 255-2078 or inspections@bcgov.net. Pool fences must also comply with Beaufort County Community Development Code Division 5.4 (Fences and Walls), which may require a separate zoning permit before erecting a fence.