Residential swimming pools in Lakewood must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2021 International Residential Code Appendix AG (Section AG105) and the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), both adopted by reference at LMC 15.05.020 through Washington's statewide code (RCW 19.27.031, WAC 51-51). General-use and limited-use public/community pools also follow WAC 246-260-031 (Washington DOH), requiring 60 to 72-inch barriers, self-closing/self-latching gates, and restricted openings. Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height generally do not need a separate zoning permit under LMC Title 18A, but a building permit is required for the pool itself.
Lakewood adopts the 2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, and 2021 ISPSC as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council (LMC 15.05.020). For one- and two-family residential pools, hot tubs, and spas containing water more than 24 inches deep, IRC Appendix AG Section AG105 governs barriers. Required: minimum 48-inch barrier height measured on the side facing away from the pool; maximum 2-inch clearance from grade; openings that do not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; horizontal members on the pool side must be at least 45 inches apart, otherwise vertical spacing is reduced to 1.75 inches. Chain-link mesh openings cannot exceed 1.25 inches (or slats are required to reduce openings to 1.75 inches). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, open outward away from the pool, with the latch at least 54 inches above grade if on the pool side, or shielded if lower. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool require an alarm or the pool itself must have a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. For public, community, and HOA pools, WAC 246-260-031 (Washington DOH) requires barriers of at least 60 inches (limited-use) or 72 inches (general-use), with similar gate, mesh, and opening rules. Lakewood Building Division reviews permits for new pools, spas, and barriers, and inspections verify barrier compliance before final approval.
Installing or operating a pool without a code-compliant barrier is a building code violation enforceable through Lakewood's Building Division and code compliance. Common enforcement: stop-work orders, permit revocation, denial of final inspection, and civil infractions under LMC Title 1. Failure to obtain a building permit for the pool or barrier can result in double permit fees and after-the-fact correction orders. Public/community pool barrier failures may also trigger Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department enforcement under WAC 246-260.
Lakewood, WA
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Lakewood, WA
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Lakewood, WA
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Lakewood, WA
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Lakewood, WA
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