Portland, OR Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Oregon's Residential Specialty Code Appendix G ('Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs'), adopted by Portland under PCC Title 24, applies to all residential pools holding water 24 inches or more deep. Barrier requirements: minimum 48-inch height measured from grade on the outside of the barrier; maximum 2-inch clearance under the barrier; no gaps allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere; no horizontal members between 45 inches and the top that could serve as climbing aids. Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above grade or on the pool side with surrounding shielding (ORSC AG105.2). Where a wall of the house forms part of the barrier, doors with direct access to the pool must have either an alarm meeting UL 2017 or a self-closing, self-latching mechanism (ORSC AG105.4). Spas and hot tubs may use a lockable cover meeting ASTM F1346 in lieu of a fence. Portland BDS reviews the barrier as part of the pool-construction permit (building + plumbing + electrical). The Oregon Health Authority regulates public/commercial pools under OAR 333-060.