Islip, NY Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Islip enforces both its own Town Code and the 2025 Residential Code of New York State, Section R328 (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs). Under Town of Islip Code Section 68-386C(2), every outdoor pool more than 18 inches deep or larger than 100 square feet 'shall be completely and continuously surrounded by a permanent durable wall, fence or barrier which shall be located not less than four feet from the furthest outside projection of the swimming pool and which shall be no more than six feet nor less than four feet in height above grade.' Gates and doors must be 'equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices' and locked when the pool is unattended (Section 68-386C(2)(f)). The state code reproduced in the Town's official Building Division handout sets the floor standard: NYS Residential Code R328.4.2.1 requires the top of the barrier to be 'no less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool,' with a maximum 2-inch ground clearance. NYS R328.4.2.7 requires that all gates be self-closing, that pedestrian gates open outward away from the pool, and that gates be self-latching, with the latch release mechanism 'located not less than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the finished floor or ground surface' where it is accessible from outside the barrier. A temporary barrier at least 48 inches high is required during construction and must be replaced by a complying permanent barrier within 90 days.