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

Under RCW 19.27.031, the Washington State Building Code (including the 2021 IRC adopted in WAC 51-51) applies to every Washington jurisdiction. Marysville Municipal Code 16.04.020 adopts the 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code by reference. MMC 16.04.030 lists IRC appendices that are not adopted (Appendices AF, AQ, and AU); Appendix AG is not excluded, so swimming pool barrier provisions remain in force. Under IRC Appendix AG105 (state-amended), residential pools, spas, and hot tubs containing water more than 24 inches deep require an enclosure at least 48 inches high measured from the outside, with no openings, handholds, or footholds that allow a small child to climb the barrier. Openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass; spacing between vertical members in a chain-link or solid barrier must not exceed 1.75 inches when horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart. Gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground when the gate is locked from the pool side. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must be alarmed or the pool must be covered by an ASTM F1346 safety cover. State law (WAC 246-260-031) governs publicly regulated pools (limited use barriers must be at least 60 inches; general use at least 72 inches) and is enforced by Snohomish Health Department, not the City. Per MMC 16.04.020, prefabricated pools accessory to a Group R-3 dwelling that are less than 24 inches deep, hold 5,000 gallons or less, and are installed entirely above ground are excluded from building code adoption. Pool construction, in-ground spas, and barrier installations require a building permit issued by Marysville Community Development.