Richmond Municipal Code Ch. 11.72 Pools and Ponds

All swimming pools, fish ponds and other bodies of water located on private property as hereinafter described, having water therein more than eighteen inches in depth at any point, shall be completely enclosed by a fence or wall so constructed as to make such body of water inaccessible to children. A dwelling, accessory building or other similar structure may be used as part of such enclosure.

(1) Residential. For pools located on the following designated properties:

Single-Family Residential;

Two-Family Residential;

Multiple-Family Residential; or

Any other property which, because of its location, nature or other circumstances, creates, in the opinion of the Superintendent of Building Regulations, a hazard or danger to children.

Such fence or wall shall conform to the following requirement:

The fence or wall, including gates therein, shall be not less than five feet above the underlying ground. All gates must be self latching with latches placed five feet above the underlying ground or otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to children, and shall be securely closed at all times when not in actual use.

(2) Commercial. For pools located on the property of hotels, motels, auto or trailer courts, and other similar businesses, such fence or wall, including gates therein shall be not less than sixty-six inches above the underlying ground. All gates must be self latching with latches placed five feet above the underlying ground or otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to children, and shall be securely closed at all times when not in actual use.

In lieu of maintaining a fence or wall as set forth above, there may be provided a competent person who shall keep the pool or other body of water under observation at all times while water is kept therein. In the event the pool or other body of water is not under the observation of a competent person, a pool cover or similar protective device approved by the Building Official may be used.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 20-86 N.S.)

All persons maintaining such pools shall comply with the provisions of this chapter within ninety days after the effective date of this chapter.

The Building Official may make slight modifications for good cause shown in individual cases, with respect to the height of the fence or the nature or position of the latch. The Building Official may permit other protective devices or structures to be used so long as the degree of protection afforded by the substitute devices or structures is not less than the protection afforded by the fence, gate and latch described herein. Upon the application of a property owner, the Building Official may grant extensions of time for compliance, for good cause shown in individual cases. Such extensions of time shall not exceed thirty days at a time. Upon the application of a property owner, the city council may grant exceptions or modifications to the provisions of this chapter. Exceptions or modifications may only be granted by the City Council after receiving a report from the Building Official.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 214 N.S. and 20-86 N.S.)

(Source: Ordinance No. 154 N.S.)