Idaho Falls, ID Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Idaho Falls sets its pool barrier rule in Section 11-4-8(D) of the Zoning Code (Title 11, Chapter 4, Design and Development Regulations). Subsection (D)(2) states: 'Swimming pools shall be completely surrounded by a fence of at least five feet (5') in height with no openings wider than thirty-six (36) square inches. Gates with self-closing and self-latching devices are exempted from this provision.' Subsection (D)(1) adds that pools not completely enclosed within a solid-walled building must be set back at least five feet from all property lines. The five-foot fence height is notably taller than the four-foot minimum barrier found in many building codes, so Idaho Falls residents should build to the city's five-foot standard. The code does not distinguish between in-ground and above-ground pools, so the fence requirement applies to all swimming pools. Separately, where a fence sits within 15 feet of a front-yard lot line contiguous to a street, Section 11-4-8(C) limits any sight-obscuring fence to three feet in height, and the clear view triangle in Section 11-4-7(A) limits fences and walls near street and driveway intersections to three feet. Pool construction itself may also trigger the city-adopted 2018 IRC pool barrier provisions enforced by the Building Division.