Ramsey County, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Public pool fence height
- At least 5 feet (4717.1550)
- Residential barrier height
- 48 inches (MN Residential Code)
- Max opening
- 4 inches
- Gates
- Self-closing, self-latching
- Public enforcer
- Ramsey County Public Health
Summary
Ramsey County Public Health enforces fencing for PUBLIC pools under Minn. Rules 4717.1550: fences must be at least five feet high with self-closing, self-latching lockable gates. A private backyard pool's barrier is set by the Minnesota Residential Code and enforced by your city.
Fencing must: be at least five feet high; be equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates capable of being locked; not have any opening greater than four inches; not have any opening greater than two inches below the fence; not be a readily climbable design.
Full Breakdown
For public pools the county/state rule 4717.1550, subp. 2 requires the fence to be at least five feet high, have self-closing self-latching gates capable of being locked, no opening greater than four inches, and no readily climbable design. For a private single-family pool, the Minnesota Residential Code barrier applies (enforced by your city building official): typically a barrier at least 48 inches high, gaps no larger than four inches, and self-closing, self-latching gates. Match the exact standard to whether the pool is public (county-licensed) or private (city-permitted).
Violations & Fines
A public pool with a non-compliant barrier can be ordered closed by Ramsey County Public Health until corrected; residential barrier defects are cited by the city building inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must a public pool fence be here?
What about my backyard pool fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota swimming pools & spas overview
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