Pool fences, gates and barriers
Every metro city we checked requires a barrier around a residential pool. The basics match: at least 4 feet tall, small openings, and gates that close and latch on their own. The details below come straight from city documents.
The common rules
| City | What the city document says |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | Fence enclosure at least 4 feet with self-closing, self-latching gates, shown on the permit (OKC residential swimming pool submittal checklist). The fence checklist also calls for self-closing, self-latching gates where a fence encloses a pool (OKC fence permit checklist). |
| Edmond | Barrier at least 48 inches above grade, 2 inches max at the bottom, openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere (Edmond swimming pool barrier sheet). |
| Norman | On lots under 2 acres, a fence or barrier at least 4 feet tall or a screen enclosure, openings under 4 inches, self-latching gate (Norman swimming pool FAQ (Apr 2026)). |
| Moore | Barrier at least 4 feet with openings under 4 inches and a self-closing gate latch at 54 inches minimum (Moore swimming pool permit application). |
Gates
Edmond's sheet is the most detailed: pedestrian gates open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch, and have the release at least 54 inches up; if lower, the release goes on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top, with no opening over half an inch within 18 inches of it (Edmond swimming pool barrier sheet).
Chain link and picket spacing
In Edmond, chain link mesh may be no larger than 2.25 inches square unless slats reduce openings to 1.75 inches, and picket spacing tightens to under 1.75 inches when horizontal rails are less than 45 inches apart (Edmond swimming pool barrier sheet).
When the house is part of the barrier
Edmond requires either a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or audible alarms on doors that open to the pool (Edmond swimming pool barrier sheet). Norman says a pool with an ASTM F1346 power safety cover does not need an enclosure (Norman swimming pool FAQ (Apr 2026)).
Exceptions
Norman exempts lots over 2 acres (Norman swimming pool FAQ (Apr 2026)). We did not find a lot-size exemption for the other cities.