Montgomery County, OH Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Ohio building code authority comes from R.C. 3781.06, which directs the Ohio Board of Building Standards to adopt and update the Ohio Building Code (OAC 4101:1) and the Residential Code of Ohio (OAC 4101:8). The RCO is based on the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) and applies statewide to one-, two-, and three-family dwellings and their accessory structures. Montgomery County Building Regulations Division enforces the RCO for residential construction in the county. Under the RCO swimming pool barrier provisions (Chapter 42, Appendix G of the IRC as adopted), private outdoor pools with water more than 24 inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool. The maximum vertical clearance from grade to the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Where vertical pickets are used, spacing between pickets cannot exceed 1 3/4 inches. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and the release mechanism must be located at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate. Where a wall of the dwelling forms part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have an alarm or self-closing/self-latching device, or the pool must be equipped with an approved safety cover. A building permit is required for pool installation; contact Montgomery County Building Regulations at 937-225-4622.