Grand Forks, ND Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fence height
- 5 feet, section 13-0811(7)
- Gate requirement
- Self-closing and self-locking
- Setback from property line
- 4 feet minimum, subsection (2)
- Lighting rule
- Shielded away from adjacent premises
- Applies to
- Outdoor private pools, not wading pools
Summary
Grand Forks City Code section 13-0811 requires every outdoor private swimming pool to be enclosed with a fence at least 5 feet high, with pool-area openings limited to a self-closing, self-locking gate. The same section also sets a minimum 4-foot setback from property lines and requires pool lighting to be shielded from neighboring properties.
Location: ... Private swimming pools in residential areas shall be located in the rear yards and no part of such pool shall be less than four (4) feet from any property line. ... Shielding lights: Lights used to illuminate any private swimming pool shall be so arranged and shaded as to reflect light away from the adjacent premises. ... Fencing required: Each outside pool shall be enclosed with a suitable fence not less than five (5) feet in height and adjacent to the pool or on the property line. Openings into the pool areas shall be only through a self-closing and self-locking gate.
Full Breakdown
Section 13-0811 applies to private swimming pools other than municipal and private wading pools. Subsection (2) requires that private swimming pools in residential areas be located in the rear yard, with no part of the pool closer than four feet to any property line. Subsection (6) requires lights illuminating a private pool to be arranged and shaded so they reflect light away from adjacent premises, protecting neighbors from glare. Subsection (7) is the core fencing rule: each outside pool must be enclosed with a suitable fence not less than five feet in height, placed adjacent to the pool or on the property line, and any opening into the pool area may only be through a self-closing and self-locking gate.
Subsection (4) separately bars locating or operating any pool in a way that unduly interferes with adjacent property owners' enjoyment of their property, and subsection (3) prohibits any cross-connection between a private pool and the city water supply, requiring a licensed plumber to make that connection. Subsection (5) bars charging admission for use of a private pool, keeping it a noncommercial, residential-only use under this section.
Violations & Fines
Article 8's general penalty at section 13-0813 applies to a private pool that lacks the required five-foot fence or self-closing, self-locking gate: a penalty of up to $500, with each day or instance of noncompliance treated as a separate offense under the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must my backyard pool fence be in Grand Forks?
What kind of gate does the fence need?
How close to my property line can I put a pool?
Can I connect my pool directly to the city water line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Forks
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