Minnetonka, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 805.020 of the Minnetonka City Code sets the enclosure rule for private residential pools in the City of Minnetonka, Hennepin County. It covers new and existing outdoor pools containing water more than 24 inches in depth. The pool must be completely enclosed by a fence or barrier that complies with Section 303.2 of the International Property Maintenance Code, and every opening or point of entry into the pool area must be equipped with a gate.

The numbers are specific. The wall or fence and gates must be at least 5 feet in height. A fence must be built of at least a number eleven gauge woven wire mesh corrosion-resistant material, or other materials approved by the building inspector. Gates must have self-closing and self-latching devices capable of being locked, placed on top of the gate or another place inaccessible to small children. Fence posts must be decay- or corrosion-resistant and set in concrete bases or other suitable material, and the opening between the bottom of the fence and the ground or other surface cannot be more than three inches.

There is one alternative. For spas, hot tubs, whirlpools or other covered pools, the building official can approve an alternative latching system that complies with ASTM Standard F1346 for safety. The code does not extend that alternative to a standard open pool.

The same subdivision adds siting rules. Pools must be located on the premises in compliance with the zoning ordinance. A pool and its appurtenances must sit at least 10 feet from an existing portion of a sewage system, and the water supply line for a pool must be at least 15 feet from one. The pool and related facilities must be built in accordance with plans approved by the city, and the pool cannot be placed in operation until city inspections show compliance. Section 805.025 adds inspection of grounding of mesh in concrete before any work is covered. Public pools have their own fencing plan requirement, with type, material, height, gate location and latching mechanism defined in Minnesota Rules 4717. The community development director and delegates enforce section 805.