Hudson, NH Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 334-12I of Hudson's Zoning Ordinance, part of the town's general fence regulations, sets a specific barrier standard for outdoor in-ground swimming pools on top of the general fence rules that apply to every other enclosure. The pool fence, alone or together with other permanent structures on the property, must surround the entire perimeter of the intended pool apron area, and apart from the access gates themselves, no opening in the fence may be wide enough to let a sphere greater than four inches in diameter pass through, a mesh standard meant to keep small children out.

The required height and hardware then split by use. For one-family and two-family residences, § 334-12I(1) sets a four-foot minimum fence height, and the access gates must carry latching and locking mechanisms mounted on the interior surfaces, or yoke-type latches with padlock holes, so a child cannot reach over and open the gate from outside. For every other residential use and for nonresidential pools, § 334-12I(2) raises the minimum to six feet, and the gates must automatically latch and lock during the off-season, during closed hours, and whenever lifeguards are off duty, a standard aimed at clubs, apartment complexes and similar shared pools.

The pool-fence rule sits inside the same § 334-12 fence article amended 3-14-1995 and 3-9-2010, and is administered by the Community Development Department alongside the general fence permit rules; a fence built to satisfy this section is exempt from separate building-permit review when it is eight feet or under, per § 334-16A.