Specification

R-25209.000 RDH Building Science Inc. Page 11
APPENDIX B – INTERPRETATION OF FBC AND FRC CLAUSES
The following paragraphs describe the latch requirements for pool fences as described in
the 2020 FBC and 2020 FRC. Included are excerpts from the 2020 FBC, the 2020 FRC, and
the 2021 ISPSC for reference.
Florida Building Code Clause 454.2.17.1.8:
Access gates, when provided, shall be self-closing and shall comply with the requirements
of Sections 454.2.17.1.1 through 454.2.17.1.7 and shall be equipped with a self-latching
locking device located on the pool side of the gate. Where the device release is located no
less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate, the device release
mechanism may be located on either side of the gate and so placed that it cannot be
reached by a young child over the top or through any opening or gap from the outside.
Gates that provide access to the swimming pool must open outward away from the pool.
The gates and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18
inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism.
Florida Building Code – Residential Clause R4501.18.1.8:
Access gates, when provided, shall be self-closing and shall comply with the requirements
of Sections R4501.17.1.1 through R4501.17.1.7 and shall be equipped with a self-latching
locking device located on the pool side of the gate. Where the device release is located no
less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate, the device release
mechanism may be located on either side of the gate and so placed that it cannot be
reached by a young child over the top or through any opening or gap from the outside.
Gates that provide access to the swimming pool must open outward away from the pool.
The gates and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18
inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism.
RDH Interpretation of the above clauses:
FBC Clause 454.2.17.1.8 and FRC Clause R4501.17.1.8 have been interpreted in this
report to mean that when the latch is located not less than 54 inch from the bottom of the
gate, there is no requirement for the latch to be 18 inches away from any openings
greater than ½ inch. Where the latch is not less than 54 inches from the bottom of the
gate, the latch may be placed on either side of the gate, removing the requirement to
prevent a young child from reaching the latch through the barrier. When the latch is
located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it should be located 18 inches
away from openings greater than ½ inch.