Rockville, MD Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Swimming pool barrier requirements in Rockville are enforced under Montgomery County building code provisions. Any swimming pool exceeding 18 inches in depth, or the property on which the pool is constructed, must be enclosed by a fence or wall that is at least 5 feet high. This requirement applies to both in-ground and above-ground pools. All gates or doors in the enclosing fence or wall must be equipped with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms, with the lock or latch located on the pool side of the gate at a height of not less than 4 feet from the ground. This placement prevents young children from reaching the latch. Gates and doors must be closed and latched at all times when the pool is not actively attended. The fence or wall must not have openings, handholds, or footholds that could allow a child to climb over it. Chain-link fencing is acceptable if the mesh openings are small enough to prevent climbing. The fence must be designed to prevent access from adjacent properties, and the space between the bottom of the fence and the ground must not exceed 4 inches. Montgomery County DPS will not issue a pool building permit until the fence permit application has been submitted.