Lafayette Parish, LA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Louisiana adopts a uniform statewide code through the LSUCC: La. R.S. 40:1730.28 mandates adoption of the IRC and ISPSC (Section 305 governs residential pool barriers). Key requirements: barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high; openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade or located on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate. The barrier must have no climbable handholds or footholds on the exterior. Bottom of the barrier sits no more than 2 inches above grade on solid surfaces. Where a wall of the dwelling forms part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have alarms or self-closing/self-latching mechanisms. Construction fencing of at least 4 feet is required during in-ground pool construction. La. R.S. 40:1730.28.2 prohibits any parish or municipality from adopting standards more or less stringent than the LSUCC, so Lafayette Parish enforces the state code as written. Pool permits are issued through the LCG Building Codes Division as part of the residential building permit process. The Office of the State Fire Marshal administers LSUCC plan review for non-residential pools.