Irondequoit, NY Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier standard
- Fence or barrier meeting the Residential Code of New York State
- Pool definition
- Two feet deep or more, one dimension 10 feet or more
- Plans filed with
- Building Inspector, before any permit issues
- Waiver scope
- Board of Appeals can waive size and location only
- Corner lot pools
- Behind the building line, four feet from any property line
- Vacant property pools
- Must be properly fenced and secured under § 104-5C(6)
Summary
In the Town of Irondequoit, New York, every swimming pool must be enclosed by a fence or other barrier that meets the Residential Code of New York State. The Board of Appeals can waive a pool's size and location rules after a hearing, but the fencing requirement is not part of that waiver.
(3) Fencing. ... Swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence or other barrier meeting all applicable requirements of the Residential Code of New York State and shall otherwise comply in all respects with such Residential Code. ... C. Waiver by Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals may waive the provisions of Subsection B as to size and location of such pool, after a public hearing duly called for such purpose, upon a determination that the neighboring property shall not be adversely affected thereby.
Full Breakdown
Town of Irondequoit Code § 235-71B(3) requires swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or other barrier meeting all applicable requirements of the Residential Code of New York State, and to otherwise comply in all respects with that Code. The Town does not print its own gate or latch specifications in that clause. The barrier standard is the state Residential Code, so the Building Inspector reviews the enclosure against it when the pool plans are filed.
The Town defines a swimming pool in § 235-4 as any artificial pool of water, in or above the ground, designed to contain water to a depth of two feet or more, with at least one horizontal dimension of 10 feet or more and an open upper side. A pool that meets that definition needs the enclosure. A pool counts as an accessory structure under § 235-71A, and no permit issues until construction plans, plumbing plans, filtering system plans and a location map are filed with the Building Inspector.
The Board of Appeals waiver in subsection C is narrow. After a public hearing, the Board can waive the provisions of Subsection B as to size and location of the pool when neighboring property will not be adversely affected. Subsection C names size and location, so it does not reach the fencing clause.
Related Town rules touch the same enclosure. A pool on a corner lot must sit behind the building line measured from each street and no less than four feet from any property line. Owners of vacant buildings must also keep swimming pools properly fenced and secured under § 104-5C(6), and fence height for the surrounding yard follows § 235-69.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the zoning chapter is an offense under § 235-102: a fine not exceeding $350 or up to six months in jail, or both, for a first offense. A second offense within five years carries $350 to $700 and a third carries $700 to $1,000. Each week of continued violation is separate, and the Building Inspector enforces the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pool need a fence in the Town of Irondequoit?
What are the gate rules?
Can the Board of Appeals waive the pool fence?
Does a pool at a vacant house still need a fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irondequoit
New York rules heatmap·Compare Irondequoit to another location·View the New York swimming pools & spas overview
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