Grant County, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (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.
(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
The Swimming Pool and Spa Code is adopted alongside the International Building, Residential, Fire, and Plumbing Codes as part of the Washington State Building Code package at GCC 14.04.030, applying to new pool and spa construction throughout unincorporated Grant County and administered by the Development Services building official. A pool permit follows the same general administration as any other building permit under GCC 14.04.050: 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.
Separately, when the county adopted the International Property Maintenance Code for existing structures at GCC 14.04.060, it specifically carved out Section 303, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, marking it 'NOT ADOPTED.' 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?
What about an existing pool that was built before these rules?
Do I need a permit to build a pool in unincorporated Grant County?
Who enforces pool code violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grant County
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