Fencing Requirements: Tulare vs Visalia
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Tulare Code §§ 10.16.160 / 10.18.160 require every swimming pool to be entirely enclosed by structures, fences, or walls complying with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pool fences must be at least 5 feet tall (state law requires 60 inches) with no openings larger than 4 inches, and gates must self-close and self-latch.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Visalia requires all residential pools to have safety barriers per California Building Code. Fences must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum fence height | 60 inches (5 feet) | - |
| Max opening size | 4 inches (no 4" sphere can pass) | - |
| Max ground gap | 2 inches | - |
| Latch height | 60+ inches above grade | - |
| Gate direction | Must open away from pool | - |
| Fence Height | - | 60 inches (5 ft) |
| Gate | - | Self-closing, self-latching |
| Latch Height | - | 60 inches |
| CA Building Code | - | Section 3109 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Can my house wall count as one side of the pool enclosure?
Yes — Tulare Code § 10.16.160 states 'Surrounding structures, existing fences, and gates shall suffice for this requirement if they comply with all requirements of this section as determined by the building inspector.' However, if your home wall forms part of the barrier, Cal. Health & Safety Code § 115922(a)(4)–(5) requires you to add one of the doorway safety features (exit alarm or self-closing/self-latching door) so children cannot wander from the house into the pool.
How high must my pool gate latch be?
At least 60 inches above grade in Tulare. Tulare Code § 10.16.160 states 'All latches on gates in enclosing fences shall be a minimum of 60 inches above grade.' This is stricter than the state's 54-inch minimum for door release mechanisms under HSC § 115923(d), so the 60-inch local rule controls.
Visalia FAQ
How tall does a pool fence need to be in Visalia?
Pool barriers must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) tall per California Building Code, with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Does my existing pool need a fence in Visalia?
Yes. All residential pools must have compliant barriers regardless of when they were built.
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