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Pasco, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Minimum fence height: 5 feet, nonclimbable
Gate requirement: self-closing, self-latching or keyed lock
Water's-edge clearance: barrier at least 3 feet from water
Ground clearance limit: max 2 inches under barrier
Governing section: PMC 16.60.020

Summary

Every outdoor pool, spa, and hot tub in Pasco must sit behind a nonclimbable barrier at least five feet tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate, under PMC 16.60.020. The fence must stay at least three feet from the water's edge and can't clear more than two inches above grade.

All outdoor swimming pools shall be enclosed by a nonclimbable fence or other approved barrier, such fence or approved barrier to be not less than five feet in height and provided with a self-closing gate or gates equipped with a latch or locking device operable only from the pool side of the fence or by a locking device operable by a key only on the outside of the fence. Said fence or barrier shall be no closer than three feet from the water's edge on all sides of the pool and the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed two inches, measured on the side of the fence or barrier which faces away from the swimming pool, spa or hot tub.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).

Full Breakdown

010 adopts the ISPSC covering all three under a single code. Enforcement runs through the Building Official as part of the adopted pool code, and a barrier that fails any one of the height, latch, water-edge clearance, or ground-clearance specifications is out of compliance regardless of whether the rest of the installation meets code.

Violations & Fines

A pool enclosure that is under five feet tall, lacks a self-closing and self-latching gate operable only from the pool side (or by an outside key lock), sits closer than three feet to the water's edge, or leaves more than a two-inch gap beneath the barrier fails PMC 16.60.020 and can be cited by the Building Official as a violation of the adopted swimming pool code.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does a pool fence have to be in Pasco?

At least five feet, and it must be nonclimbable. PMC 16.60.020 requires every outdoor pool, spa, and hot tub to be enclosed by a fence or approved barrier of that minimum height, in place of the model code's own fence provision.

Does a Pasco pool gate need to self-close?

Yes. PMC 16.60.020 requires a self-closing gate fitted with a latch or locking device that can only be operated from the pool side of the fence, or a device that locks with a key from the outside, so the gate can't be left open or unlocked from outside the enclosure.

How close to the water can a pool fence be in Pasco?

No closer than three feet from the water's edge on every side of the pool, per PMC 16.60.020, and the barrier can't clear more than two inches above the ground on the side facing away from the pool.

Sources & Official References

[1]Pasco Municipal Code § 16.60.020

Other rules in Pasco

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Pool PermitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight Restrictions

All Pasco rules

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