Vanderburgh County, IN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Indiana has no statewide residential pool barrier statute and instead enforces barriers through the Indiana Residential Code (Indiana adopts a state-amended IRC under IC 22-13 / IC 22-15-3). The 2020 Indiana Residential Code at Section R326 covers swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs and generally requires barriers at least 48 inches high. Vanderburgh County has adopted stricter local rules: under Vanderburgh County Code Chapter 17.12 (General Standards), 'a six-foot impassable fence shall surround all swimming pools, all accessories thereto, and all entries thereto,' with the requirement triggered by any pool 'over two feet in depth at any point.' This depth trigger captures more pools than the IRC's typical 24-inch threshold. A building permit from the Evansville-Vanderburgh Building Commission is required prior to installing or constructing a pool, including in-ground, above-ground, accessory equipment, and electrical work. Inspections verify compliance with both the local six-foot fence rule and the IRC pool/spa provisions before final approval. Fences may not be placed within 15 feet of the top of bank of any legal drain in urban areas and subdivisions per local drainage rules. The Vanderburgh County Health Department separately regulates public swimming pools.