Rio Rancho, NM Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Fences are required around any swimming pool which is greater than three feet in depth or which exceeds 5,000 gallons. The pool must be enclosed on all sides by a fence or other barrier that provides an impediment of at least six feet thereby limiting access. In the event of a grade separation or the erection of an above ground swimming pool, the six-foot minimum height is measured from outside the fence, while the pool is on the inside. Gates on pool fences are required to be six feet in height with a self-closing latch at least four and one-half feet (54 inches) off the ground. In the case where a common fence cannot be used for a swimming pool fence, the swimming pool fence must be a minimum of four feet in height with a hard cover which complies with the International Building Code.

(2) Corner lots. Fences in the clear sight triangle as defined in Section 154.03 may not be greater than 30% solid when viewed along a line of sight which is parallel to the hypotenuse of the clear sight triangle.

(3) Residential fences that abut high intensity nonresidential or multi-family uses may be erected as follows: where a residential lot, parcel or tract abuts an arterial or collector street as defined in the comprehensive plan, or a multi-family or nonresidential zoned property, a fence may be a maximum of eight feet in height along the abutting side or rear property line, behind the front house line.

(4)