Stafford Township, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 211-35G(3) of the Stafford Township zoning chapter is one sentence: all pools shall be required to have fences and gates as required by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). The township does not print a barrier height, latch standard or gate swing in that subsection. The measurable requirements sit in the state code the ordinance names, so a pool owner builds to N.J.A.C. 5:23 rather than to a Stafford-specific number.

The subsection just above ties fencing into the rest of the pool approvals. Section 211-35G(2) says pools shall be installed, operated and used in accordance with other health and safety ordinances regarding water filtration, circulation and treatment, fencing, noise and lighting, and that a pool permit shall be obtained from the Building Official. Under G(1), a private residential pool is allowed only on a lot that contains a residence, and a pool in the front yard has to be set back twice the distance from the street line that is required for the principal building. Pools adjacent to a bulkhead require the appropriate CAFRA approvals.

Chapter 211 also regulates fences in residential districts. Section 211-35X(3) requires a fence permit from the Township Zoning Office for all fences except living fences. Section 211-35X(2)(a) caps fences, walls and hedges at six feet in height, prohibits barbed wire, electrified fencing and spikes, and requires fences to sit a minimum of six inches from the property line.

Chapter 235 adopts the state Swimming Pool Code, N.J.A.C. 8:26-3.1 to 8:26-3.24, and requires permits and licenses before anyone locates and constructs, alters or operates a swimming pool. Three copies of that code are on file in the Township office for public examination.