Residential pools and spas in Whatcom County need a barrier meeting International Building Code Section 3109 — at least 48 inches high, no gap a 4-inch sphere passes, with a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens away from the pool.
Whatcom County has adopted IBC Section 3109, which governs pool enclosures and safety devices. The barrier must stand at least 48 inches measured from the outside, leave no opening large enough for a 4-inch sphere, and present no readily climbable footholds. Gates must swing outward, self-close, and self-latch, with the latch placed out of a young child's reach. A house wall may form part of the barrier when pool-access doors carry alarms or self-closing hardware. An approved power safety cover can substitute for the fence barrier entirely.
A barrier under 48 inches, wide gaps, or a gate that fails to self-latch stops final inspection until corrected. Non-compliance also carries serious drowning liability.
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See how Whatcom County's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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