Somerville, MA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Zoning Ordinance §10.2.2, Permitted Accessory Structures, treats a pool or hot tub as an accessory structure that is permitted by-right once a principal building exists on the lot, per §10.2.1.a. Subsection r defines 'Pool or Hot Tub' as 'a structure filled with water used for recreation or physical therapy' and sets two standards: a dimensional setback and an access-control requirement. The setback is five feet from any side or rear lot line and ten feet from any front lot line, tighter than the general accessory-structure rule in §10.2.1.e, which lets most accessory structures encroach into side and rear setbacks down to three feet from the lot line.

The access standard requires that 'uncontrolled access to pools or hot tubs must be prevented using a wall, fence, or other acceptable means.' The Ordinance does not specify a minimum fence height, a self-closing or self-latching gate mechanism, or a maximum gap size for a pool barrier; it leaves the choice of wall, fence, or other means, and its exact specifications, to the Building Official reviewing the accessory-structure permit. Because pools and hot tubs are separately defined from general Fences & Walls under §10.5, a homeowner installing a pool barrier should confirm with the Building Official that the chosen barrier satisfies both the accessory-structure access standard here and any state building code requirement that applies to pool enclosures. This section was last amended by Ordinance 2024-14, effective November 26, 2024.