Durham requires 48-inch pool barrier fencing per NC Building Code. Barriers must fully enclose the pool with self-closing, self-latching gates. Permit required for pool fences.
Durham follows the North Carolina Building Code requirements for residential pool barriers. All swimming pools must be completely enclosed by a fence, wall, building, or combination barrier with the top at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches. No openings in the barrier may allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere, and the barrier must not provide external handholds or footholds that could aid climbing. All pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. Durham requires a permit when a fence or wall is used as a pool barrier on parcels containing single-family dwellings. The city has specified that only a solid fence or barrier with no openings is permitted to completely enclose a pool. The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act also applies, requiring compliant drain covers on all pools.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
See how Durham's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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