Floyd County, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence height
- Minimum 6 feet
- Gate
- Must lock
- Health approval
- Written health department sign-off required
- Permit
- Building permit required before installation
- Setback
- Same as principal building in the district
Summary
A private swimming pool in unincorporated Floyd County must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 6 feet high with a locking gate, under the Unified Land Development Code (Appendix B). Installation also needs a permit from the Chief Building Inspector before construction, separate from the state health rules that govern public pools.
h.Private recreational facility, such as a swimming pool and bathhouse or cabana, tennis court, deck or patio. These uses shall conform to the minimum setback requirements for principal buildings in each zoning district. Swimming pools shall be permitted only upon written approval of the health department to indicate compliance with applicable health department regulations. Pools must be enclosed by a 6-foot fence or wall with a locking gate.
Full Breakdown
3(h) treats a private recreational facility, such as a swimming pool and bathhouse, cabana, tennis court, deck, or patio, as a customary accessory use to a dwelling, and it sets the pool's own safety standard: pools must be enclosed by a 6-foot fence or wall with a locking gate. The same subsection requires the pool to meet the minimum setback that applies to a principal building in that zoning district and to have written health department approval confirming compliance with applicable health department pool regulations.
Installing a pool also triggers a separate building-permit requirement: Floyd County Code § 2-6-5 lists installation of swimming pools among the work that requires a permit from the Chief Building Inspector before it begins. 3(h) are the operative standard for a residential backyard pool.
Violations & Fines
An unfenced pool, a gate that won't lock, or a pool built without the required building permit is a code violation. Under ULDC § 7.5.3, the Chief Building Inspector can order the hazard corrected or issue a citation, and a Development Code violation under § 7.6.2 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; a permit-only violation under Floyd County Code § 2-6-5 is enforced separately by the building inspection department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in unincorporated Floyd County?
Do I need a permit to install a backyard pool?
Do the state's public pool rules apply to my backyard pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Floyd County
Compare Floyd County to another location·View the Georgia swimming pools & spas overview
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