Flagstaff, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

The City Council raised the ISPSC's default barrier standard when it amended the adopted swimming pool code: Section 4-10-001-0001 revises 2018 ISPSC Section 305.2.1, Barrier height and clearances, to require that the top of the barrier be not less than sixty (60) inches above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa, and specifies that such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of three (3) feet measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier, so the ground outside the fence line can't be built up or landscaped to shrink the effective height near the enclosure.

This barrier rule applies to any residential swimming pool as defined in the same chapter, meaning any accessory backyard pool, hot tub, spa or fixed wading pool holding more than 18 inches of water. Community Development's Building Safety Division checks the barrier during the pool permit's final inspection, and the ISPSC's self-closing, self-latching gate and non-climbable-surface requirements carried over from the base 2018 code apply on top of the local 60-inch height amendment. Appeals of a Building Official determination under the barrier rule go to the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals under City Code Title 2.