Somerville pools 24 inches deep or deeper must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates under the Massachusetts State Building Code Appendix G and 780 CMR.
The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) Appendix G requires every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub capable of holding 24 inches or more of water to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside. Gaps under the barrier cannot exceed 2 inches above grade, and vertical bars must be spaced no more than 4 inches apart. Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have self-latching hardware located at least 54 inches above the ground. A dwelling wall may serve as one side of the barrier only if doors leading to the pool area have alarms or the pool has a power safety cover compliant with ASTM F1346. Above-ground pools with ladders that can be removed or secured may use the pool wall itself as the barrier. Hot tubs with a lockable cover meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from fencing. Non-compliance triggers failed inspections and fines.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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