El Cerrito, CA Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Swimming pool fences and safety barriers in unincorporated Contra Costa County are regulated through California Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929 (the Pool Safety Act) and the county building code. For pools built or substantially remodeled after January 1, 2007, at least 2 of 7 designated safety features must be in place — typically including an enclosing fence at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, self-closing/self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches above the ground, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, a safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, or perimeter alarms. The fence must have no climbable features (horizontal rails on the pool side must be at least 45 inches apart) and must fully separate the pool from the dwelling or include door alarms on every direct-access door. Building permits are required for all new pools and for fence installation, and a final inspection must confirm barrier compliance. Real estate sellers must disclose pool-safety-feature compliance on the transfer disclosure. Non-compliant pools are a common cause of liability claims and are cited by Environmental Health and Code Enforcement when discovered.