Fencing Requirements: Midway City vs Santa Ana
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Midway City, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Midway City and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
Pools and spas in unincorporated Orange County must be completely enclosed by fencing at least 5 feet high with no openings greater than 4 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swing outward, and have the latch a minimum of 5 feet high.
View full Midway City rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) requiring all residential pools to have a primary barrier at least 60 inches high plus a secondary barrier. Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006 adds secondary barrier requirements.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum fence height | 5 feet (county note sheet); 60 inches under HSC 115923 | - |
| Maximum opening/gap | 4 inches | - |
| Gates | Self-closing, self-latching, swing outward, latch min. 5 ft high | - |
| Structure wall doors | Exit alarm OR self-closing/self-latching device min. 54 in above floor | - |
| Glazing | Tempered glazing required within 5 ft of water edge | - |
| State standard | CA Health & Safety Code 115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) | - |
| Primary Barrier | - | 60 inches minimum height |
| Gate Latch | - | 60 inches above grade, self-closing |
| Secondary Barrier | - | Required (mesh fence, cover, or alarm) |
| Mesh Fence Offset | - | 20+ inches from water edge |
| State Law | - | HSC §115920-115929 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
How tall does a pool fence have to be in unincorporated Orange County?
The OC Public Works note sheet requires a minimum 5-foot-high enclosure with openings no greater than 4 inches. This is consistent with California Health & Safety Code Section 115923, which sets a 60-inch minimum enclosure height with a self-latching gate latch placed no lower than 60 inches.
What if my house wall is part of the pool enclosure?
Any door in a residential or accessory structure wall that forms part of the enclosure must have an exit alarm, or a self-closing and self-latching device installed at least 54 inches above the floor, so the door cannot serve as an unguarded entry to the pool area.
Santa Ana FAQ
What type of pool fence is required in Santa Ana?
A primary barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates is required. Additionally, a secondary barrier — mesh fence, safety cover, or pool alarm — is required per Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006.
Can I use a pool alarm instead of a fence?
A pool alarm meeting ASTM E2017 standards satisfies the secondary barrier requirement but does not replace the primary 60-inch enclosure fence.
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