Lynnwood, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Under LMC 16.24.010, the City of Lynnwood adopts the latest edition of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in WAC 51-58, with one copy on file in the office of the city clerk. The ISPSC incorporates the residential pool barrier requirements that mirror IRC Appendix G / Section AG105. Outdoor private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs containing water more than 24 inches deep must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches in height measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere, and the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 4 inches (or 2 inches over a non-solid surface such as gravel). Gates serving as part of the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching; if the latch release is less than 54 inches above the ground, it must be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top, with no opening greater than 0.5 inch within 18 inches of the latch. Hot tubs and spas with a listed safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 are exempt from the barrier requirement. Where a wall of the dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct access to the pool must be equipped with an alarm or the pool must have an approved power safety cover. A building permit from the Lynnwood Development & Business Services Department is required for installation of any in-ground pool, above-ground pool over 24 inches deep, or spa, and an electrical permit from Washington L&I is required for associated wiring and bonding.