5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in San Bernardino County, California.
Verified from official government sources
San Bernardino County Building and Safety requires a building permit for any pool, spa, or water feature deeper than 18 inches, with grading, electrical, and plumbing inspections under the CBC.
Unincorporated San Bernardino County applies California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 31 Section 3109, California Residential Code Appendix CI, and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. H&S Code Sections 115920-115929). Private single-family pools and spas deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate, and new or remodeled pools must add at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features.
San Bernardino County Land Use Services, Building and Safety Division — Information Bulletin IB-0007: Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Barrier Requirements in a Private Single-Family Home (Updated January 1, 2026); references CBC Chapter 31 Section 3109, CRC Appendix CI, and California H&SC Article 2.5 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
Pools shall be surrounded by a permanent or movable enclosure which shall comply with the following conditions: 1. The top of the enclosure shall be at least 60 inches above the grade measured on the side of the enclosure which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between the grade and the bottom of the enclosed fence/barrier shall be 2 inches. 2. Any decorative des...
Swimming pools in San Bernardino County must meet CA Health and Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) with five-foot pool fencing, self-closing gates, and two of seven approved safety features.
California Health and Safety Code Sections 115920-115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1, 1997.) 115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Swimming pool” or “pool” means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. “Swimming pool” includes i...
Unincorporated San Bernardino County treats an above-ground residential pool deeper than 18 inches as a swimming pool under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929) and Title 8 of the County Code, which adopts the California Building, Residential, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes. A 60-inch barrier and at least two of seven drowning-prevention features are required.
Spas and hot tubs in San Bernardino County fall under the California Pool Safety Act (H and S 115920) with a 60-inch barrier unless a listed ASTM F1346 locking safety cover is used.
California Health and Safety Code Section 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act Definitions)
115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Swimming pool” or “pool” means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. “Swimming pool” includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. (b) “Public swimmi...
8 cities in San Bernardino County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
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