Fencing Requirements: Delano vs Ridgecrest

Is a fence alone sufficient?

Under the 2018 update to H&S §115922, the law requires TWO of the seven approved features.

Does Ridgecrest's pool fence rule apply to fish ponds and wading pools?

Yes. RMC § 11-1.1 explicitly covers swimming pools, fish ponds, wading pools, and any outside body of water created by artificial means with a depth of 18 inches or more in any portion. This is broader than state law, which focuses on swimming pools and spas. A backyard koi pond deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a five-foot fence, wall, or equivalent barrier under the city's local ordinance.

Can my house wall serve as part of the pool barrier in Ridgecrest?

Yes for the state-law side of the requirement. Under HSC §115922, the dwelling can form one side of the enclosure provided that doors with direct pool access have either a self-closing/self-latching device with release at least 54 inches above the floor, or an approved exit alarm. The local RMC § 11-1.1 simply requires that no openings large enough to admit a child exist except through doors or gates, so a properly equipped house wall is acceptable. Garage overhead doors and vehicle driveway gates cannot count as part of the required barrier.