Requirements for gates and latches

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  1. Except as otherwise provided by Section 45-43-11, a gate in a fence or wall enclosing a pool yard as required by Section 45-43-7 shall:
    1. Have a self-closing and self-latching device;
    2. Have hardware enabling it to be locked, at the option of whoever controls the gate, by a padlock or a built-in lock operated by key, card, or combination; and
    3. Open outward away from the pool yard.
  2. Except as otherwise provided by subsection (3) of this section and Section 45-43-11, a gate latch must be installed so that it is at least sixty (60) inches above the ground, except that it may be installed lower if:
    1. The latch is installed on the pool yard side of the gate only and is at least three (3) inches below the top of the gate; and
    2. The gate or enclosure has no opening greater than one-half (1/2) inch in any direction within eighteen (18) inches from the latch, including the space between the gate and the gatepost to which the gate latches.
  3. A gate latch may be located forty-two (42) inches or higher above the ground if the gate cannot be opened except by key, card, or combination on both sides of the gate.


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