Villa Park · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Villa Park

Pools deeper than 18 inches need an enclosure at least 5 feet high; gates self-close and self-latch, but doors from the home need not.

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Key points

Pools: Pools deeper than 18 inches need an enclosure at least 5 feet high; gates self-close and self-latch, but doors from the home need not.

Each rule below links to the section of the Villa Park Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Villa Park's code says

Villa Park code What Villa Park's code adds
Pool barrier	Gaps between vertical members may be no more than 5 inches. Applies: Wood, metal picket, stake or other fences with vertical members. § 23-6.13 · code text No opening between vertical members of a wood, metal picket, stake or other fence shall exceed five (5) inches between members. Gaps between horizontal members may be no more than 2 inches. Applies: Wood, metal or other fences with horizontal members. § 23-6.13 · code text No opening between horizontal members of a wood, metal or other fence shall exceed two (2) inches between members. Chain link and masonry fences are exempt from the opening-size rules. Applies: Applies to chain link and masonry fences. § 23-6.13 · code text EXCEPTION: Chain link and masonry type fences are excepted from the provisions of this subsection. Must reach within 2 inches of firm soil or within 4 inches of pavement. Applies: Applies to all enclosures and gates. § 23-6.13 · code text All enclosures and gates shall extend to within two (2) inches of firm soil or within four (4) inches of pavement.
Barrier height	At least 5 feet high, measured from the outside ground. Applies: Pools or other outdoor water for swimming or dipping, deeper than 18 inches. § 23-6.13 · code text shall maintain in good condition an enclosure or fence of any material or design, except as hereinafter provided substantially constructed, not lower than five (5) feet in height above the surface of the ground
Gates	Pool gates and doors must close and latch themselves, with the latch at least 5 feet above the ground, outside. Applies: Inside latch may be lower if not openable from outside. Dwelling doors need not self-close or latch. Double vehicle gates self-close; manual latch allowed. § 23-6.13 · code text All gates or doors opening through a swimming pool enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device designed to keep such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use. The unlocking or unlatching device shall be located not less than five (5) feet above grade or steps at the gate or door measured vertically outside the enclosed area. The latch release may be lower than 5 feet if it is inside and cannot be opened from outside. Applies: Applies to a latch release on the inside of the enclosure. § 23-6.13 · code text The unlocking or unlatching device may be located on the inside of the enclosure at less than the required five (5) feet in height, when not openable from the outside of the enclosure. Self-closing and self-latching devices are not required. Applies: Only for doors from a home into the pool area. § 23-6.13 · code text Self-closing and self-latching devices shall not be required on doors leading from a dwelling unit into the pool area. Self-closing, with a latch that may be manual; kept securely closed when not in use. Applies: Applies to double gates across vehicle driveways. § 23-6.13 · code text Double gates installed across vehicular accessways shall be self-closing and shall be equipped with a latching device which may be manually operated. Such gates shall be securely closed at all times when not in actual use.
Maintenance and empty pools	The pool must be drained immediately and not refilled until the fence complies with the Code. Applies: Applies to a pool with a fence that does not meet the code. § 23-6.13 · code text Any pool enclosed by a fence which does not meet the requirements of this subsection shall be drained immediately and shall not be refilled until such time as the enclosure fence is brought into compliance with all provisions of this Code.
Permit	A building permit is required; a cash bond and fee must be posted or paid before the permit. Applies: Applies to anyone installing a pool or spa in the City. § 17-3.1 · code text All persons installing swimming pools and spas within the City shall, prior to building permit, post a cash bond in the amount set by the City Council through a fee resolution.
Setback from property lines	Not within 3 feet of any property or right-of-way line, or where fences and walls are limited to 3½ feet. Applies: Applies to swimming pools. § 23-6.12 · code text within three (3) feet of any property line or ultimate right-of-way line.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Villa Park?

Pools deeper than 18 inches need an enclosure at least 5 feet high; gates self-close and self-latch, but doors from the home need not.

General information, not legal advice.

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