Des Plaines, IL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- State Authority
- 65 ILCS 5/11-30-9
- City Code
- Des Plaines Title 10, Ch. 2 (IRC + Appendix G)
- Pending State Min.
- 42 in (HB2495, not yet law)
Summary
Illinois law (65 ILCS 5/11-30-9) empowers the Des Plaines City Council to require fences around, or protective covers over, private residential swimming pools, and the City enforces residential pool barrier requirements through the International Residential Code adopted in Title 10 of the City Code.
The corporate authorities may prescribe rules and regulations for the construction of privately owned artificial basins of water used for swimming or wading, which use or need external buttresses or which are dug into the ground, located on private residential property and intended for the use of the owner and guests. The corporate authorities may by ordinance require the construction of fences around or protective covers over previously constructed artificial basins of water dug in the ground and used for swimming or wading, which are located on private residential property and intended for the use of the owner and guests.
Full Breakdown
Des Plaines does not maintain a standalone residential pool-fence ordinance; instead its authority flows from the Illinois Municipal Code. Section 11-30-9 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-30-9, 'Artificial basins of water') authorizes the corporate authorities of the City to prescribe rules for the construction of privately owned swimming or wading basins on private residential property and, by ordinance, to require fences around or protective covers over in-ground basins. Des Plaines exercises this authority by adopting the International Residential Code in Title 10, Chapter 2 of the City Code, which carries Appendix G (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs) requiring a barrier around residential pools more than 24 inches deep. Statewide, the proposed Private Swimming Pool Enclosure Act ('Zoe's Law,' HB2495) would set a uniform 42-inch minimum barrier height once enacted, but as of mid-2026 it remains a pending bill in the 104th General Assembly and is not yet binding law.
Violations & Fines
Building-code violations of the adopted IRC barrier provisions are enforced by the Des Plaines Community and Economic Development Department through stop-work orders, permit denial, and ordinance fines until the required barrier is installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Des Plaines require a fence around my backyard pool?
Is there a statewide 42-inch pool fence rule in Illinois?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Plaines
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