Adams County enforces residential pool barrier rules through the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix G and the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, adopted under Adams County Ordinance 12. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Permits are issued by the Adams County E-Permit Center under Section R105 of the IRC.
Colorado does not have a statewide residential pool barrier law; counties enforce barriers through their adopted building codes. Adams County adopted the 2018 editions of the International Codes for permits received on or after January 12, 2019, including the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Building Code (IBC), and 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) under Ordinance 12. Residential pool barriers follow IRC Appendix G (which adopts Section 305 of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code) and apply to any pool, hot tub, or spa with water depth greater than 24 inches. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured on the side facing away from the pool. Openings cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. Solid barriers must not contain handholds or footholds. Gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism located at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must be equipped with an alarm or self-closing/self-latching device. A building permit through the Adams County E-Permit Center (720.523.6800) is required for pool installation, and inspections verify barrier compliance before final approval.
Construction or installation of a pool without a permit, or with a non-compliant barrier, must be corrected before a final inspection can be approved. Adams County Building Safety can issue stop-work orders. An unsafe pool may also be cited as a public nuisance by Adams County code enforcement.
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