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Lima, OH Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum barrier height: 48 inches above grade
Max ground gap: 2 inches
Max opening: No 4-inch sphere may pass
Chain-link mesh: 1¼-inch square max (unless slatted)
Lattice/diagonal opening: 1¾ inches maximum
Code basis: CABO Appendix F (One & Two Family Dwelling

Summary

Lima requires a barrier at least 48 inches above grade around any pool over 24 inches deep, with a maximum 2-inch gap at the ground. The City adopts CABO Appendix F for barrier design: openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, chain-link mesh is limited to 1¼ inches, and access gates

Swimming Pools over 24" inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches above grade; a permanent wall or fence is considered a barrier. The maximum gap permitted between the grade (ground) and the barrier is 2" inches.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

A swimming pool over 24 inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches above grade (a permanent wall or fence qualifies), measured on the side facing away from the pool. The maximum gap between the ground and the barrier is 2 inches; for pool-mounted barriers, the gap between the pool structure and barrier may not exceed 4 inches. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. For stockade fencing where horizontal members are 45 inches or more apart, vertical spacing may not exceed 4 inches; where they are less than 45 inches apart, horizontals must go on the pool side and vertical spacing may not exceed 1¾ inches.

Violations & Fines

A barrier that fails these height, gap, or opening standards will not pass Building Department inspection, and the pool may not be used. Maintaining a non-compliant pool barrier is a code violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does a pool fence in Lima have to be?

At least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool, with no more than a 2-inch gap between the ground and the bottom of the barrier.

Can I use chain-link fence around my pool?

Yes, but the maximum mesh size is a 1¼-inch square unless the fence has slats fastened at the top or bottom that reduce the openings to no more than 1¾ inches, per the CABO Appendix F standards Lima adopts.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Lima — Residential Swimming Pool / CABO Appendix F Barrier Requirements

Other rules in Lima

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Pool PermitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Lima rules

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