Short answer
In Amity Township, gaps between the vertical and horizontal members of a pool fence can be no more than 2 in, the fence must be at least 4 ft high, and every gate needs a lock. In Exeter Township, the pool barrier must be at least 4 ft high with no opening larger than 4 in on a side, and the gate must be locked when the pool isn't in use. Amity's 2 in limit is tighter than the usual 4 in test, so check picket spacing.
The two rules side by side
| Amity Township (Douglassville) | Exeter Township (19606, Birdsboro, Douglassville) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum height | 4 ft | 4 ft |
| Maximum gap or opening | 2 in between vertical and horizontal members | 4 in on a side |
| Gates | All gates must have locks | Gate securely locked when the pool isn't in use |
| Which pools | 24 in or deeper and at least 100 sq ft | Pools, enclosed by a permanent barrier or fence |
| Above-ground exception | Pools over 4 ft high need no separate enclosure if the ladder is removed or locked at least 4 ft up | The part of the pool wall above ground can count toward the barrier; the ladder or stairs must be removable or made unusable, and the entrance must close securely to 4 ft |
| Code section | Zoning §32-921(c)–(d) | Zoning §390-29B(1) |
Both are zoning rules. The state Uniform Construction Code's pool-barrier requirements also apply through the building permit, so a pool fence has to satisfy both.
Why Amity's 2 in rule matters for aluminum and chain link
Most pool codes test openings with a 4 in sphere: if a 4 in ball can't pass through, the gap is fine. Skippack Township's pool guidelines, for example, use the 4 in sphere test and limit chain link mesh to 2-1/4 in square. Many standard aluminum pool-fence styles are designed around that 4 in test.
Amity's ordinance reads differently. It caps the gaps between vertical and horizontal members at 2 in. Read literally, that's tighter than the usual picket spacing, and tighter than standard 2-1/4 in chain link mesh. How the Zoning Officer applies it to a given product is the question to settle before anything is ordered. Options that clearly meet a 2 in limit include:
- Aluminum or steel in a close-picket or "puppy picket" style with narrow spacing
- Solid vinyl or wood privacy panels with no gaps between boards
- Chain link in a smaller mesh, or with privacy slats where allowed
- Solid infill panels around a patio
Chain link in Amity carries a second rule. The township allows chain link ("cyclone") fences only if they're screened from neighboring properties with a high-intensity buffer planting. A chain link pool fence along a shared line means budgeting for the plantings too.
Exeter: 4 in openings and approved materials
Exeter's 4 in limit lines up more closely with the usual sphere test, so most pool-rated aluminum and vinyl styles work. One thing to note: Exeter's fence section says fences must be wood, chain link or similar materials approved by the Zoning Officer. Aluminum and vinyl are common, but in Exeter we confirm the material on the permit application rather than assume it.
Exeter also requires a zoning permit for permanent fences, with a to-scale lot map showing the fence and lot lines.
Placement rules that come with the pool
- Amity: pools and their equipment can't sit in the front yard, in the side-yard setbacks or within 10 ft of the rear lot line.
- Douglass Township (Berks), next door: the same 4 ft height and 2 in gap limit, with locks on gates.
- Both townships: no fence in the street right-of-way, and corner lots have clear sight triangles to keep open.
Gates are where pool fences fail inspection
The township rules say "locks." The state pool code adds self-closing and self-latching gates that open away from the pool, with the latch out of a small child's reach. In Amity and Exeter we plan pool gates to meet both: a self-closing hinge, a self-latching latch mounted high, and a keyed lock. See our pool fence page for the full checklist.
Common questions
Does Amity's 2 in rule apply to the gap under the fence?
The ordinance talks about gaps between vertical and horizontal members. The state code separately limits the clearance at the bottom. We plan for both and confirm with the inspector.
Can my house wall be one side of the pool enclosure in Exeter?
As far as zoning goes, yes: §390-29B(1) says walls of buildings may serve as part of the fence or barrier. Doors in that wall are a building-code question, so we'd ask the township and plan door alarms if needed.
I'm replacing an old pool fence. Do the current rules apply?
Generally, a new fence is built to the rules in effect when it's permitted. Expect the current gap and height limits to apply.