Pool Fence Requirements Virginia

Building or upgrading a pool in Virginia? Make sure it follows the pool fence requirements Virginia has set.

Under Virginia law, every residential pool must be enclosed by a compliant safety barrier. While the state pool fence code sets the foundation, local jurisdictions like Fairfax, Louisa, and York County may have their own rules, permits, or inspection timelines.

In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Virginia pool fencing regulations require, from height and gate specs to removable fence options, so your pool stays safe, legal, and ready for summer.

 What Code Regulates Pool Fences in Virginia?

Pool fencing in Virginia is governed by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which applies to all residential swimming pools across the state. The USBC adopts the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), specifically Section 305, which sets national standards for pool safety barriers.

While the USBC applies statewide, local building departments in counties like Fairfax or York may add their own permitting processes or inspection protocols. Always contact your local code enforcement office before installation to avoid delays or violations.

Virginia Pool Fence Code Requirements

As mentioned, if you’re installing or updating a residential pool in Virginia, your fence must meet the safety standards outlined in the USBC and the ISPSC. These regulations are designed to protect children, prevent unauthorized access, and help you pass inspections across all Virginia counties.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s required:

Minimum Fence Height

Your pool fence must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall, measured from the finished grade on the side that faces away from the pool. This height requirement makes it harder for young children to climb over and aligns with ASTM safety standards for residential pool enclosures.

Maximum Gap Below the Fence

To prevent children or pets from slipping underneath, your barrier must not have:

• More than 2 inches of clearance if the fence is built on a solid surface like concrete or pavers.
• More than 4 inches of clearance is required if built on grass, gravel, or other loose terrain.

Even small openings can pose big risks, which is why inspectors look closely at the spacing along the base of your fence.

Gate Requirements

Any gate that allows access to the pool must be:

• Self-closing – it must return to a closed position on its own after being opened.
• Self-latching – it must latch automatically without human intervention. 
• The gate’s latch release mechanism must be positioned at least 54 inches above ground level, keeping it out of reach of children.

These features prevent children from accidentally leaving the gate open and drastically reduce the chance of unsupervised entry.

These standards are carefully designed to reduce unauthorized or accidental pool access, especially by children under five. Following these requirements ensures both safety and code compliance across Virginia.

Pool Fence Requirements in Virginia by City & County

Below is a breakdown of the county-specific pool barrier code in Virginia: Fairfax, Louisa, and York, all of which enforce the code but have slight procedural differences.

Fairfax County Pool Fence Requirements

Fairfax County follows ISPSC 2021 barrier regulations, but also requires a zoning review and final inspection for all new residential pool enclosures. Permits are mandatory.

Requirement	Standard
Permit Required	Yes
Minimum Fence Height	48 inches
Gate Requirements	Must be self-closing, self-latching
Latch Height	At least 54 inches above finished grade
Inspection Included	Yes, including latch function and gate swing
Notes	Site plan and zoning compliance may be reviewed

Louisa County Pool Fence Requirements

Louisa County requires permits for pool barriers to meet state code. Inspections are scheduled upon project completion and include checks for clearance, latch height, and proximity hazards. Louisa County requires that each pool fence have: 

Requirement	Standard
Permit Required	Yes
Minimum Fence Height	48 inches measured from the outside face of the barrier
Gate Requirements	Self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool
Latch Height	Typically 54 inches above ground. If located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the latch must be placed on the pool side at least 3 inches from the top of the gate.
Inspection Included	Yes
Notes	Contact the  local building department for permit forms

A door or window may serve as part of the barrier only if it has a pool UL2017 compliant alarm with a mechanism to deactivate placed at 54 inches above the door threshold, sounds immediately and continuously for 30 seconds, must be heard throughout the house, and must reset automatically.

York County Pool Fence Requirements

York County has applied the ISPSC 2021 standards in its local swimming pool regulations for all pool enclosures. York County pool fence permits and inspections are mandatory and include a full code compliance review.

Requirement	Standard
Permit Required	Yes
Minimum Fence Height	At least 48 inches above finished grade
Gate Requirements	Must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward
Latch Height	Minimum of 54 inches from ground level
Inspection Included	Required before or after installation
Notes	Check with the county’s planning department for permit applications

Common Pool Fence Violations in Virginia

• Climbable objects near the fence- items like planters, air conditioning units, or benches within 3 feet of the fence can allow access. Keep the surrounding area clear.
• Improper latch installation- a latch installed too low or one that doesn’t engage automatically can lead to inspection failure. Always measure from ground level and test auto-close functionality.
• Excessive gate swing clearance- gates must swing outward, away from the pool, and must not create gaps large enough for a child to squeeze through.
• Non-compliant materials- using lattice, horizontal bars, or chain link with wide gaps violates the code. Ensure your material choice supports vertical orientation with proper spacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use my house wall as part of the pool barrier?

Yes, but only if all doors leading to the pool are equipped with UL 2017-compliant alarms or self-latching mechanisms. Otherwise, the wall must not be counted as part of the enclosure.

Do you need a permit for replacing an old pool fence?

Usually, yes. If the replacement changes the height, material, or layout, you will need a new permit. Minor repairs often don’t require one.

Are removable fences allowed in Virginia?

Yes, removable fences may be allowed in Virginia if they meet the height, latch, and spacing requirements and are installed securely enough to pass inspection.

What’s the penalty for non-compliance?

Penalties vary by city but may include stop-work orders, fines, or being required to remove and rebuild the fence to code. More importantly, non-compliance increases the risk of accidents and insurance issues.

Conclusion

Understanding and following pool fence requirements in Virginia isn’t just about passing inspections; it’s about protecting the people you care about most. Every regulation, from fence height to latch placement, is there to prevent accidents before they happen.

At Pool Guard, we make compliance simple. Our fences are built to meet statewide and local Maryland codes, including Montgomery County’s strict standards and Prince George’s County’s inspection process. We provide free estimates, ASTM-compliant removable mesh fencing, professionally installed gates, and alarms.