Residential pool fencing in Kennewick must meet IBC Appendix G and ISPSC Section 305 as adopted into the Washington State Building Code at WAC 51-50, and enforced locally through KMC Chapter 15.44. A 48-inch minimum barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates opening away from the pool, no climbable horizontal members on the outside, and house-wall openings protected by an alarm or self-closing device are all required.
Kennewick applies the state-adopted pool-barrier rules to every residential pool 24 inches or deeper, in-ground or above-ground, through KMC Chapter 15.44 and WAC 51-50. The barrier requirements track IBC Appendix G / ISPSC Section 305: minimum 48-inch height measured on the outside (non-pool) face; maximum 2-inch gap between barrier bottom and grade (4 inches on the pool side if grade is a solid surface); openings small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass; for solid barriers with horizontal members, the horizontal members must be on the pool side or spaced at least 45 inches apart to prevent climbing; chain-link mesh openings no greater than 1.75 inches unless slatted; gates open outward away from the pool and must be self-closing and self-latching with the release at least 54 inches above grade on the inside. Where a wall of the dwelling forms part of the barrier (a common above-ground configuration), every door with direct pool access must be equipped with an audible alarm conforming to UL 2017 (continuously sounding alarm for at least 30 seconds when opened) or a self-closing, self-latching device with the release at least 54 inches above the floor. Above-ground pools may use their structural wall as the barrier if it is at least 48 inches high and steps/ladders are removable, lockable, or surrounded by a compliant barrier. The barrier must be in place and pass inspection before water is added. Public and semi-public pools have additional barrier and signage standards under WAC 246-260, enforced by the Benton-Franklin Health District.
Pool-barrier violations are State Building Code violations under RCW 19.27 enforced by Kennewick Code Enforcement. Penalties include stop-use/drain-down orders, daily Class 1 civil infraction fines under KMC 1.04, denial of the final inspection, and personal civil liability for any drowning under Washington premises-liability law. For public pools, the Benton-Franklin Health District may suspend the permit-to-operate under WAC 246-260.
Kennewick, WA
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Kennewick, WA
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Kennewick, WA
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