Erie, PA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Erie Codified Ord. Art. 1503.2; IRC Appendix G (AG105); Erie Zoning Ord. Sec. 205.19
- Barrier height
- At least 48 inches above grade (IRC AG105.2)
- Ground clearance
- Maximum 2 inches below the barrier
- Opening limit
- No passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere
- Gate
- Self-closing and self-latching, opening outward away from pool
- Yard fence height (residential)
- Maximum 6 ft 6 in (Zoning Sec. 205.19)
Summary
A residential swimming pool, hot tub, or spa in the City of Erie must comply with the barrier provisions of the International Residential and International Building Codes, and any yard fence or pool enclosure in a residential district may not exceed six feet six inches in height under the Erie Zoning Ordinance.
205.19 In a Residential District any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space shall not exceed a height of six (6) feet six (6) inches. In a non-Residential District any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space shall not exceed a height of eight (8) feet six (6) inches. Where there is a boundary line between the two districts, the less restrictive 8'6" height shall be permitted. The height of any fence, hedge or enclosure shall be measured from the maximum grade level on either side of the property to the top of the fence, hedge or enclosure.
Full Breakdown
The City of Erie requires every pool accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling to comply with the International Residential and Building Codes, which Erie adopts through its building code (Codified Ordinance Article 1503). Appendix G / AG105 of the International Residential Code sets the residential pool-barrier standard: the top of the barrier shall be 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 shall be 2 inches, openings shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, and pedestrian access gates shall open outward, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device.
4 (residential swimming pool enclosures). Separately, the Erie Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 19 limits any fence, hedge, or enclosure within the required yard space to six feet six inches in a residential district. State law is consistent: under 34 Pa. 26 a residential pool must comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted statewide under the Uniform Construction Code.
Violations & Fines
The City of Erie Code Enforcement office (City Hall Room 407) will not finalize a swimming pool permit until field inspection confirms the barrier, gate, and enclosure comply with the adopted International Residential and Building Codes. Non-compliant or unsafe barriers can be cited under the building code and the property maintenance code, and an Erie County Health Department pool inspection (fee $325) may also apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does my pool fence have to be in Erie?
Do gates on the pool fence have to self-close?
Can the wall of my house serve as part of the barrier?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
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