Pittsburgh enforces the PA-adopted ISPSC requiring a 48-inch minimum barrier around all pools 24+ inches deep. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Pennsylvania adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) under the Uniform Construction Code. All residential pools with water depth of 24 inches or more must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high, measured on the side facing away from the pool. The barrier must maintain this height around the entire perimeter and extend 3 feet horizontally from its exterior face. Vertical clearance at grade cannot exceed 2 inches on non-solid surfaces (grass, gravel) or 4 inches on solid surfaces (concrete). For chain-link fencing, openings may not exceed 1-3/4 inches. Vertical members spaced with a top rail 45 inches or higher apart cannot exceed 4 inches between them. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. A house wall may serve as one side of the barrier, but all doors opening to the pool area must have an alarm or self-closing device. A minimum 36-inch clear zone must separate the barrier from any climbable permanent structures such as pumps or heaters.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 1003 Property Maintenance Code requires general property upkeep bu...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by HOA and condo covenants...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenant...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits are filed through P...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Allegheny County Health Department Article XXI (Air Pollution Control Regulations) prohibits visible emi...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Fire Code under Title 1004 adopts the International Fire Code with Pennsylvania amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devic...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Allegheny County.
See how other cities in Allegheny County handle fencing requirements.
See how Pittsburgh's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.