Orem, UT Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Orem City Code 22-6-9(J)
- Minimum barrier height
- 5 ft (60 in)
- Trigger for above-ground pools
- Wall height 36 in or greater
- Setback from property lines
- 5 ft
- Setback from fences/walls
- 4 ft
- Max opening
- No passage of a 4-in sphere, including gates
- Gates
- Self-closing and self-latching required
- State backstop
- ISPSC 2021 Sec. 305 (48-in minimum)
Summary
Orem City Code Section 22-6-9(J) requires every in-ground pool, and every above-ground pool with a wall height of 36 inches or more, to be completely surrounded by a fence or wall at least five feet high, set back five feet from property lines, with self-closing, self-latching gates and no opening that passes a four-inch sphere.
1. All in-ground swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools with a wall height of thirty-six (36) inches or greater not completely enclosed within a building having fire-resistive walls of at least one hour shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall having a height of at least five feet (5'), and shall be set back at least five feet (5') from all property lines and four feet (4') from all fences and walls. 2. There shall be no opening in the fence or wall, required by subparagraph (G)(1) above, which shall allow a passage of a four-inch (4") diameter sphere, including gates. All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices.
Full Breakdown
Orem's swimming pool barrier rules are codified in the City's zoning ordinance at Chapter 22, Article 22-6 (Residential Zones), Section 22-6-9(J) Swimming Pools. The ordinance applies to all in-ground swimming pools and to above-ground pools with a wall height of thirty-six (36) inches or greater that are not completely enclosed within a building having fire-resistive walls of at least one hour. Such pools must be completely surrounded by a fence or wall at least five feet (5') tall, set back at least five feet (5') from all property lines and four feet (4') from all fences and walls.
No opening in the required fence or wall may allow passage of a four-inch (4") diameter sphere, including at gates, and all gates must be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices. 1; because the pool plan is reviewed against both the City zoning ordinance and the adopted ISPSC, the more restrictive standard governs. The ordinance expressly excludes hot tubs and jacuzzis from Subsection J. Commercial swimming pools are not permitted in residential zones, while noncommercial pools are permitted as accessory uses.
Violations & Fines
A pool installed or maintained without a conforming barrier violates the Orem zoning ordinance and the adopted ISPSC; the City may withhold or revoke the building permit, issue a correction notice, and pursue code-enforcement penalties until a compliant five-foot fence with self-closing, self-latching gates is in place. Failure to provide the required barrier can also bar final inspection sign-off on the pool building permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
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