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North Charleston, SC Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing code
SC International Swimming Pool Code
Adopted by
§ 5-75(c), mandatory citywide
Enforced by
City building official
Permit required
Yes, before construction

Summary

North Charleston enforces pool barrier and fencing standards through its adopted South Carolina International Swimming Pool Code, enacted by the city as a mandatory part of its building code under § 5-75(c).

Permissive codes:(1)South Carolina International Swimming Pool Code;... The City of North Charleston hereby adopts the South Carolina Building Codes as specified by the South Carolina Building Code Council including Chapter 1 and permissive codes.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).

Full Breakdown

North Charleston's Code of Ordinances § 5-75(c) lists the South Carolina International Swimming Pool Code among the 'permissive codes' the city has elected to adopt, and states the city 'hereby adopts the South Carolina Building Codes ... including Chapter 1 and permissive codes.' That adoption makes the pool code's barrier, enclosure, and self-closing-gate standards mandatory citywide rather than optional, enforced by the building official through the same permitting and inspection process that applies to other Chapter 5 construction, and backed by the same misdemeanor and civil-fee penalties for noncompliance.

Violations & Fines

Building or maintaining a pool that fails the adopted Swimming Pool Code's barrier standards can bring a stop-work order, misdemeanor charges under § 5-16, and a civil fee up to triple the permit value under § 5-34.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does North Charleston require a fence around a swimming pool?
Yes. The city adopted the South Carolina International Swimming Pool Code under § 5-75(c), which sets barrier and enclosure standards, and the building official enforces it citywide.
Is the swimming pool code optional in North Charleston?
No. Although the state labels it a 'permissive code,' § 5-75(c) says the city 'hereby adopts' it, making compliance mandatory for pools built in the city.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in North Charleston

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All North Charleston rules

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