Fairfax, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Pool barrier rules in the City of Fairfax are layered. First, City Code §10-621(b), within Chapter 10 of the City Code, requires a six-foot-high protective fence surrounding all residential swimming pools; this local height standard exceeds the state minimum and does not apply to spas or hot tubs. Second, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), 13VAC5-63, applies statewide and incorporates the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) §305. Under ISPSC §305, all outdoor pools, spas, and hot tubs must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the outside of the barrier, no opening in the barrier shall allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere, and there must be a clear zone of at least 3 feet between the outside of the barrier and any permanent climbable structure. Gates serving the pool area must be self-closing and self-latching, open outward away from the pool, with the latch release mechanism positioned where children cannot reach it (per ISPSC §305). Va. Code §15.2-921 expressly authorizes localities to adopt swimming pool fencing ordinances and defines a fence as a close-type vertical barrier not less than four feet in height. The City's Zoning Ordinance also restricts pool placement: pools are permitted in side and rear yards with limitations, and front-yard pools are only allowed on lots over 36,000 square feet (with corner lots treated as having two front yards). The pool barrier itself is also subject to fence zoning regulations. Building permits for pools and barriers are issued through the City's Building Codes office.