New Orleans Pool Fence Requirements

The State Code and the New Orleans 6-Foot Rule

Louisiana's construction code applies in New Orleans. Under R.S. 40:1730.28 the State Uniform Construction Code adopts the International Residential Code (IRC), which sends pool construction to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). For a pool that can hold more than 24 inches of water, that code calls for:

• A barrier at least 48 inches high, measured on the side away from the pool, with no more than 2 inches between the ground and the bottom;
• No opening that passes a 4-inch sphere;
• Gates that close and latch on their own and swing away from the pool.

The city asks for more. Every residential pool permit comes with the Department of Safety and Permits' Residential Swimming Pool Acknowledgment, which the applicant signs. It requires a 6-foot fence with a self-closing gate, and, where a wall of the house forms part of the barrier, audible alarms on the doors and windows that lead to the pool. The rule is also in the city's zoning code. Section 21.6.EE of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) requires every swimming pool to be protected by a safety fence or barrier at least 6 feet high, with a walk space at least 3 feet wide between the pool walls and the fence on two sides or half of the pool's exterior, whichever is greater (Ord. 29126, August 12, 2022). Build to the 6-foot figure and meet the state code's opening and gate rules as well.

New Orleans sets these rules under its own home rule charter and codes. R.S. 33:4875.1, the state law that lets parishes and cities regulate pool enclosures, does not apply to places with a home rule charter.

Where the Pool and Fence Can Go

• Pool location. CZO 21.6.EE allows a pool only in a rear or interior side yard, at least 2 feet from any lot line or 4 feet from a neighboring building's exterior wall, whichever is greater, and requires handrails for getting in and out. Ground-level pool equipment goes in an interior side or rear yard at least 2 feet from the property line, under CZO 21.6.T.
• Fence height. Under CZO 21.6.N a fence may stand up to 8 feet in any yard, or 7 feet in a national historic district, and front-yard fences must be open. A building permit is needed above those heights.
• Lake Vista and Lake Terrace. The CZO caps side and rear fences at 5 feet in these areas, lower than the 6-foot pool fence. Ask Safety and Permits how to meet both before you design.
• Historic districts. Fences in historic districts follow the historic district rules (CZO 21.6.N.3). The Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) or the Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) must approve work in their districts, a pool in the French Quarter needs VCC approval, and permits in local historic districts carry a 50% fee surcharge.

Above-Ground Pools in New Orleans

The state code treats an above-ground pool that can hold more than 24 inches of water like any other: its wall can be the barrier if it is at least 48 inches high and the ladder or steps lock, lift out or sit behind a barrier of their own. The city's pool permit covers any type of pool, and its 6-foot fence line does not exempt above-ground pools, so ask Safety and Permits whether a pool wall can stand in for the fence before you rely on it.

Pool Fence Cost in New Orleans: National Ranges

We found no published source that prices pool fences by state or city, so these are national installed ranges from our pool fence cost guide. Quotes where you live can land above or below them.

National typical installed ranges, not quotes. Multiply by your fence perimeter. Some sources include one gate in the figure; extra gates, permits and hard deck surfaces add to the total. Sources: HomeGuide (Feb 3, 2026), Life Saver Pool Fence (Aug 5 and Sep 23, 2026) and Pool Guard USA (May 20, 2025). Full source list and method: pool fence cost guide. Reviewed September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Every rule on this page traces to one of these. We link the primary source so you can check it yourself.

• City of New Orleans, Swimming Pool Permit, Department of Safety and Permits (updated January 13, 2026) (permit for any pool, review time, fees, historic surcharge, VCC and HDLC approvals)
• City of New Orleans, Residential Swimming Pool Acknowledgment (undated form) (the 6-foot fence, self-closing gate, alarms, gunite and final inspections)
• New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 21.6.EE, Swimming Pools (Ord. 29126, August 12, 2022; read September 25, 2026) (6-foot safety fence or barrier, 3-foot walk space, rear or interior side yard, 2-foot and 4-foot setbacks, handrails; Section 21.6.T for pool equipment)
• New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Section 21.6.N, Fences and Walls (fence heights, open front-yard fences, Lake Vista and Lake Terrace limits, historic districts)
• La. R.S. 40:1730.28, State Uniform Construction Code (Justia) (the state code adopts the IRC)
• UpCodes, Louisiana codes: Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (Louisiana codes send pools to the ISPSC)
• La. R.S. 33:4875.1, enclosure of residential and commercial swimming pools (does not apply where a home rule charter governs)

New Orleans Pool Fencing in Short

The state code sets 48 inches. New Orleans sets 6 feet, adds door and window alarms where the house is part of the barrier, and limits where the pool can sit on the lot. Historic districts add their own review, and Lake Vista and Lake Terrace cap fence heights below the pool rule. Start with Safety and Permits, and with the HDLC or the Vieux Carré Commission if your property is in a historic district.