Saint Paul, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Under the Saint Paul Legislative Code, all swimming pools on residential properties must be enclosed by an obscuring fence at least four feet tall. Properties containing three or more residential units or commercial structures must have a five-foot fence enclosing the pool area. Gates in pool fences must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch located on the inside of the gate and positioned so it is not readily available for children to open. Gates must be capable of being securely locked when the pool is not in use. The fence and all supporting structures must be located entirely inside the property line and cannot be placed on the property line, on a neighbor property, or on public property including boulevards, rights of way, and sidewalk areas. All pool fences are subject to a Fence Plan Review and must be inspected by a city Building Inspector before the pool may be used. This inspection requirement applies specifically to pool fences; standard residential fences under seven feet do not require inspection. Minnesota state law also establishes a minimum 48-inch barrier requirement for residential pools, consistent with the International Residential Code standards adopted statewide. The barrier must completely surround the pool with no gaps larger than four inches. If the house wall serves as part of the barrier, any doors opening to the pool area must have self-closing and self-latching hardware or an approved pool alarm. The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act applies to drain covers and suction entrapment prevention on all pools. Failure to maintain a compliant pool barrier can result in code enforcement action by DSI and potential liability for pool-related injuries.