Fencing Requirements: Martinez vs Richmond
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Martinez, CA and Richmond, CA?
Martinez and Richmond have similar restriction levels.
Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
Martinez has a dedicated Title 17 Swimming Pool Code (Chapters 17.16 Inspections, 17.20 Permits, 17.24 Plans & Specifications), and adopts the California Building Code via Municipal Code Chapter 15.04. Pool barriers must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929): a permanent enclosure at least 60 inches high, plus at least two of seven approved drowning prevention features for new or remodeled pools.
View full Martinez rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
All residential swimming pools and spas in Richmond must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929), requiring a minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing and self-latching gates, plus at least two drowning-prevention safety features for pools installed or remodeled after January 1, 2018.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Martinez | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Barrier Height | 60 inches minimum (HSC §115923) | - |
| Bottom Clearance | Max 2 inches above ground | - |
| Gap Rule | No openings passing a 4-inch sphere | - |
| Latch Height | 60+ inches above ground | - |
| Required Features | 2 of 7 per HSC §115922 | - |
| Local Adoption | MMC Title 17 + Ch. 15.04 (CBC §3109) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Martinez FAQ
Do I need a permit to install a pool or pool fence in Martinez?
Yes. Pool construction, remodels, and barrier installations require a building permit through the Martinez Building Division under Municipal Code Title 17 (Swimming Pool Code) and Chapter 15.04 (Building Code). Inspectors verify the 60-inch barrier and the two required drowning prevention features under HSC §115922 before final approval.
Can Martinez require something different from California state pool fence law?
No. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §§115920-115929) and California Building Code §3109 are statewide minimums that Martinez has adopted through Municipal Code Chapter 15.04. Older third-party references to a 4-foot fence in Martinez are out of date — current state law requires a 60-inch (5-foot) barrier.
Richmond FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Martinez and Richmond compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool