Waukesha County, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 320-325) regulates one- and two-family dwelling construction statewide and incorporates the International Residential Code. IRC Appendix G section AG105 sets the residential pool barrier baseline: outdoor pools containing water more than 24 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the outside, with no more than 2 inches of vertical clearance between the bottom of the barrier and grade and no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground when located on the pool side. Chain-link mesh openings cannot exceed 1-3/4 inches unless filled with slats. Where a wall of the dwelling forms part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have alarms or self-closing/self-latching devices. The City of Waukesha codifies its residential pool standard at Code of Ordinances §8-31, requiring permits and the UDC barrier rules. Pools located on a shoreland parcel - within 1,000 feet of a lake or 300 feet of a river or stream or the 100-year floodplain - additionally require a zoning permit under the Waukesha County Shoreland Protection Ordinance. Public pools (e.g., subdivision and condominium pools) are separately regulated under Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 390 and ch. ATCP 76. Confirm requirements with your municipal building inspector and, if in shoreland, with Waukesha County Planning and Zoning.