Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Grant County, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Adopting section
GCC 14.04.030(g)
Not adopted
IPMC Section 303, existing pool maintenance
Permit administrator
Development Services building official
Enforcement
GCC 1.32, $500 civil citation per occurrence

Summary

Grant County regulates pool barriers by adopting the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code by reference at GCC 14.04.030(g) for new construction, while explicitly declining to adopt the Property Maintenance Code's swimming pool section for existing pools.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Grant County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(g)The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, published by the International Code Council as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended;

Full Breakdown

030, applying to new pool and spa construction throughout unincorporated Grant County and administered by the Development Services building official. 050: the application is deemed abandoned after 180 days without good-faith progress, the permit expires three years after issuance, and the work is subject to required inspections before final approval. ' That means ongoing barrier upkeep on an already-built pool is not enforced as a property-maintenance violation the way a new pool's barrier is enforced under the Swimming Pool and Spa Code at the time of construction. Appeals of building-official decisions on pool permits go to the Grant County Hearing Examiner as the Building and Fire Board of Appeals.

Violations & Fines

Building a pool without a permit, or without meeting the barrier and enclosure standards of the adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, is enforced the same way as any other building code violation: a stop-work order and a citation under GCC 1.32 carrying a $500 civil fine per occurrence, rising to $1,000 and $2,000 for repeat violations within 24 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Grant County require a fence around new swimming pools?
Yes. GCC 14.04.030(g) adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code by reference, which sets the barrier, gate, and enclosure standards a builder must meet before a new residential or commercial pool passes inspection and gets a certificate of occupancy.
What about an existing pool that was built before these rules?
The county specifically declined to adopt Section 303, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, when it adopted the International Property Maintenance Code at GCC 14.04.060, so ongoing barrier upkeep on an existing pool is not enforced as a property-maintenance violation the way new construction is under the Pool and Spa Code.
Do I need a permit to build a pool in unincorporated Grant County?
Yes, the same permit process used for any other structure under GCC 14.04.050 applies: the application is deemed abandoned after 180 days of inactivity, the permit expires three years after issuance, and the building official inspects the work before sign-off.
Who enforces pool code violations?
Grant County Development Services enforces adopted building codes, including the Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and a citation for noncompliance runs through GCC 1.32 with a $500 fine per occurrence that climbs for repeat violations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grant County

All Grant County rules

Compare Grant County to another location·View the Washington swimming pools & spas overview

Get notified when Fencing & Safety Requirements in Grant County, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.