State Guide · Verified 2026
Pool Construction Permits in Maryland
Any pool more than 24 inches deep requires a permit and a compliant safety barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates (IRC R326 / ISPSC). Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep are exempt.
The Building Code in Maryland
COMAR 09.12.56 (Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Standards), from HB 303
House Bill 303 gave Maryland its first genuine statewide ISPSC floor, now codified as COMAR 09.12.56, the 2021 ISPSC edition in force since January 22, 2024. A proposal to adopt the 2024 edition was published in the Maryland Register on June 26, 2026, with public comment through July 27, 2026 and a hearing already held July 16, 2026, not yet finalized as of this writing. Prince George's County requires a 6-foot barrier locally, under its own County Building Code Section 4-247/R-327, stricter than the state standard. MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) licensing is mandatory statewide for any home improvement contractor, including pool installers.
Quick Facts
Who Sets the Rules
A genuinely recent statewide floor
Maryland did not have a real statewide pool code minimum until House Bill 303 created one, now in force as COMAR 09.12.56 since January 2024, a real, recent change from what was previously a more fragmented local landscape.
An update actively in progress right now
A proposal to move Maryland's standard to the 2024 ISPSC edition is genuinely in progress as of this writing, public comment closed July 27, 2026 and a hearing was already held, but it had not been finalized.
A real local override
Prince George's County requires a 6-foot barrier under its own County Building Code, stricter than the statewide COMAR minimum, a genuine local example of a jurisdiction exceeding the state floor.
What people get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming Maryland has always had a uniform statewide pool code. The real, mandatory statewide floor is genuinely recent, dating only to House Bill 303 and COMAR 09.12.56.
Counties With Their Own Rules
These Maryland counties have verified, county-specific pool construction rules that differ from the state baseline:
Browse All Counties & Cities
Search and browse the full directory of 23 counties and every city in Maryland for local rules, fees, and building department contact details.
Browse the full Maryland directory →Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Meeting the pool safety code? Barrier and safety gear homeowners rely on:
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Official Sources
Rules change and cities within a county may differ. This guide is general information, not legal advice, always confirm with your local building department. Reviewed by the StateDataIndex Editorial Team · Updated September 2026.