Howell, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

The barrier rule comes from the Property Maintenance Code the Howell Township Council adopted by Ord. No. O-12-03. Chapter 232 adopts the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code in part and as amended, and Howell Township Code § 232-4 rewrites the swimming pool section as 303.2 Enclosures. The trigger is water depth: any private pool, hot tub or spa containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep. The enclosure must go completely around the water, so a fence that covers only three sides does not satisfy the section.

The barrier must be at least 48 inches (1,219 mm) high above the finished ground level, and the height is measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching. Where the latch sits a minimum of 54 inches (1,372 mm) above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism must be on the pool side of the gate. A gate must also be kept in working order: it has to positively close and latch when released from an open position of six inches (152 mm) from the gatepost. An owner cannot remove, replace or change an existing pool enclosure in a way that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.

The same Township code adds a general upkeep duty in section 303.1: swimming pools must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair. Section 302.7 separately requires accessory structures, including fences and walls, to be kept structurally sound and in good repair.

Under § 232-5 the Code Enforcement Officer is the official responsible for enforcement, working with the Howell Township Police Department, the Township of Howell Fire Bureau, the Construction Code Official and an agent of the Board of Health as required. Owners who cure a violation themselves avoid the Township's removal-and-lien procedure in § 232-6.