Fairfax County enforces residential pool barriers under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC, 13VAC5-63), which adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Section 305 / IRC Appendix AG105. Outdoor pools, hot tubs, and spas must have a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward, plus a 3-foot clear zone from any climbable structure.
Per ISPSC Sect. 305.2.1(1), the top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade measured from the side facing away from the pool. Sect. 305.2.1(2) limits clearance under a non-solid-surface barrier to 2 inches; Sect. 305.2.1(3) allows up to 4 inches over solid surfaces. Openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere (Sect. 305.2.2). Where horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart, vertical-member spacing may not exceed 1.75 inches; where 45 inches or more apart, spacing may not exceed 4 inches (Sect. 305.2.6 / 305.2.7). Pedestrian gates must open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching (Sect. 305.3); if the latch is below 54 inches from grade, it must be on the pool side and at least 3 inches below the top of the gate (Sect. 305.3.3). Fairfax County Land Development Services additionally requires a 3-foot clear zone between the barrier and climbable equipment (pumps, filters, heaters). Virginia Code Sect. 15.2-921 authorizes localities to enforce these barrier ordinances with civil penalties.
Common violations include barriers under 48 inches, gaps over 2 inches between barrier bottom and grade, gates that do not self-close or self-latch, gate latches below 54 inches mounted on the wrong side, and pumps/heaters placed within 3 feet of the fence (creating a climbable assist). Under Virginia Code Sect. 15.2-921, violations carry fines up to $300 and/or up to 30 days in jail, with each day a separate offense.
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