Hennepin County, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Safety law adopted
- Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act
- State rule adopted
- Minn. R. 4717.0150-4717.3970
- License required
- To operate or permit swimming
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Ordinance No. 1
Summary
Hennepin County adopts state pool safety law, including the Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act, and requires a county license to operate any public swimming pool.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 145A.01 - 145A.11, 144.1222 (Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act), 375.51 - 375.55 and Minnesota 4717.0150 – 4717.3970, except 4717.0450 relating to public swimming pools, including all subsequent amendments thereto, are adopted by Hennepin County by reference. Reference 4717.0150 –4717.3970, except 4717.0450 to Board or Board of Health shall be to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners or their authorized representatives.
Full Breakdown
Section I of the Public Swimming Pool Ordinance (Ordinance 4) adopts by reference Minn. Stat. §§ 145A.01-145A.11, 144.1222 (the Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act), 375.51-375.55, and Minn. R. 4717.0150-4717.3970 (except 4717.0450), applying them to every public pool in the county. Section III separately makes it unlawful to operate or permit swimming in a public pool, fee or no fee, without a valid Hennepin County license, and Section VI lets the Health Authority inspect as often as it deems necessary.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed or non-compliant public pool is a misdemeanor, punished under Hennepin County Ordinance No. 1's penalty provisions per Ordinance 4 § VIII.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety code governs Hennepin County's public pools?
Can I open a public pool without a county license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
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