Virginia Beach enforces residential swimming pool barrier requirements under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). All pools over 24 inches deep must have a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward from the pool. Latches must be at least 54 inches above the ground. Pool covers and door alarms can substitute for one side only under specific conditions.
Virginia Beach does not create a separate pool barrier code; it enforces the state-adopted ISPSC through the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The required barrier surrounds the pool area continuously with a minimum 48-inch vertical height measured from the exterior grade. Openings in the barrier must not permit passage of a 4-inch sphere; for horizontal members less than 45 inches apart, vertical spacing cannot exceed 1.75 inches; chain-link mesh cannot exceed 1.75-inch mesh unless slats reduce the opening. Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and be self-latching with the latch release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground if the gate is less than 54 inches tall. Ground clearance under the barrier may not exceed 2 inches on the outside. Where a wall of the dwelling serves as part of the barrier, all doors leading to the pool must be equipped with either a door alarm that sounds within 7 seconds of opening or a self-closing, self-latching device, or the pool must have a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Above-ground pools with walls at least 48 inches high may use the pool wall as the barrier if the ladder is removable, lockable, or enclosed within a compliant barrier. Barrier final inspection is required before pool use.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Virginia Beach code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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