Herndon, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Pool safety barriers in Herndon are regulated under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), 13VAC5-63, which incorporates the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Section 305. Because VUSBC is mandatory and uniform statewide, the Town of Herndon cannot adopt residential pool barrier requirements that are more or less stringent than the VUSBC minimums. Under ISPSC §305, residential pools and spas containing water deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches in height measured from the finished grade on the side facing away from the pool. Maximum clearance under the barrier is 2 inches when measured from a solid surface and 4 inches when measured from grass or grade. Vertical openings in the barrier cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates serving the pool area must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and be self-latching, with the latch release mechanism positioned at least 54 inches above grade where the gate is less than 60 inches tall. Va. Code §15.2-921 expressly authorizes Virginia localities, including towns like Herndon, to adopt ordinances requiring fences around private swimming pools, with a minimum 4-foot fence height, secure gate fastening at least 4 feet above grade, ground clearance of no more than 2 inches, and a 5-foot setback from the pool edge. The Town of Herndon's Building Inspections Division enforces VUSBC pool barrier provisions and issues building permits for new pool construction and barrier installation; pool work is also subject to Chapter 78 (Zoning) accessory-feature setback rules.