Sec. 4-209. Special Construction; Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (ISPSC)
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 4-209 (2026)
Sec. 4-209. Special Construction; Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (ISPSC)LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Section 305.2 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Outdoor swimming pools and spas shall include all Public and Residential pools and spas that shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7 (ISPSC).
(b)
Section 305.2.1 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: "Barrier Height and Clearances." Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following:
(1)
The top of the barrier shall be at least six (6) feet (1829 mm) above finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool or spa.
(2)
The maximum vertical clearance between finished ground level and the barrier shall be two (2) inches for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or gravel, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool or spa.
(3)
The maximum vertical clearance between the surface, such as concrete, and the bottom of the required barrier shall not exceed four (4) inches (102 mm) where measured on the side of the required barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
(4)
Where the top of the pool structure is above finished grade level such as an above-ground pool, the barrier shall be at finished ground level, such as the pool structure or shall be mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be four (4) inches. A natural barrier, hedge, pool cover or other protection device approved by the Building Official may be used so long as the degree of protection afforded by the substituted device or structure is not less than the protection afforded by the enclosure, gate and latch described herein.
(c)
Section 305.2.4 (4) (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: An attachment device shall attach each barrier section at a height not lower than seventy-two (72) inches (1829 mm) above grade. Common attachments devices include, but are not limited to, devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a hook-and-eye type latch incorporating a spring- actuated retaining lever such as a safety gate hook.
(d)
Section 305.2.5 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than seventy-two (72) inches (1829 mm), the horizontal member shall be located on the pool or spa side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cut outs shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches (44 mm) in width.
(e)
Section 305.2.6 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is seventy-two (72) inches (1829 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cut outs shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches (44 mm) in width.
(f)
Section 305.6 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Natural barriers. A natural barrier, hedge, pool cover or other protection device approved by the Building Official may be used so long as the degree of protection afforded by the substituted device or structure is not less than the protection afforded by the enclosure, gate and latch described herein.
(g)
Section 305.8 (ISPSC) is added to read as follows: "Other Bodies of Water." When a fish pond or other body of water such as a stormwater management wet, dry, or extended detention pond deeper than twenty-four (24) inches is located within a densely populated area, or in the proximity of an elementary school, playground, or other area where small children may congregate without adult supervision, the Building Official may require a protective enclosure of such body of water as described in Section 305.2 (ISPSC) as amended by this Code, except where allowed under the County approved stormwater management pond plans, standards, and specifications.