Saint Paul requires pool enclosure fences at least four feet tall (five feet for multi-family). Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politi...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants un...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covenan...
Saint Paul, MN
Outdoor kitchens in Saint Paul require separate trade permits from the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI): building permit for structural elements, m...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills at single-family homes. Multi-unit balcony smokers face the same ...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul enforces the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minn. Rules Ch. 7511), which adopts the International Fire Code. IFC Β§308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
See how Saint Paul's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.