Ocean Springs enforces residential pool barrier rules through the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on August 21, 2018. Under IRC Appendix G / Section R326 and the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, pool barriers must be at least 48 inches high with no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass. Gates must open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade. Mississippi adopts these codes through Miss. Code Ann. § 21-19-25 (municipal code adoption authority).
Mississippi has no statewide residential pool barrier statute. Miss. Code Ann. § 21-19-25 grants municipalities discretion to adopt building, plumbing, electrical, and other codes by ordinance. Ocean Springs exercised this authority on August 21, 2018, when the Mayor and Board of Aldermen adopted the 2018 International Building Codes - including the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), the 2018 Plumbing Code, the 2018 Mechanical Code, and the 2017 National Electrical Code - along with the 160 mph wind-load requirement applicable to coastal Jackson County. Residential pool barriers are governed by IRC Appendix G (which incorporates the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code) and IRC Section R326, applying to any pool, hot tub, or spa with water depth greater than 24 inches. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured on the side facing away from the pool. Openings cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. Solid barriers must not have handholds or footholds. Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and be self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have an alarm or self-closing/self-latching device. A building permit through the Ocean Springs Building Department (228-875-6712) is required, and inspections verify barrier compliance before final approval.
Installing a pool without a permit or with a non-compliant barrier violates the 2018 IRC as adopted by Ocean Springs. The Building Department can issue stop-work orders and withhold final approval until corrections are made. An unsafe pool may also be cited as a public nuisance under city code enforcement.
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