Milwaukee County, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 320-325) regulates one- and two-family dwelling construction statewide and incorporates the International Residential Code (IRC). IRC Appendix G section AG105 sets the residential pool barrier baseline: outdoor pools containing water more than 24 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the outside, with no more than 2 inches of vertical clearance between the bottom of the barrier and grade, and no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground when located on the pool side. Chain-link mesh openings cannot exceed 1-3/4 inches when filled with slats, and where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have alarms or self-closing/self-latching devices. The City of Milwaukee requires a private pool permit through the Department of Neighborhood Services and applies the 48-inch barrier standard along with a minimum 6-foot setback from any lot line and pool. Other Milwaukee County municipalities (Wauwatosa, West Allis, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Franklin, etc.) adopt the UDC by reference and may add stricter local provisions - always confirm with the local building inspector before installation.