California Health and Safety Code 115920-115929 requires pool barriers at least 60 inches (5 feet) tall with self-closing, self-latching gates and additional safety features on pools built or remodeled after 2007. Galt enforces these standards through its building permit process.
Pool safety fencing in Galt is governed primarily by California Health and Safety Code 115920 through 115929, the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pools, including permanent above-ground pools and in-ground pools built or substantially remodeled after January 1, 2007, must have at least two of the approved drowning prevention safety features. These features include: an enclosure fence at least 60 inches tall meeting specific non-climbable design standards with self-closing, self-latching gates opening away from the pool; a removable mesh pool fence with specific gate hardware; a safety pool cover meeting ASTM F 1346; exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool; self-closing self-latching devices on all doors providing direct access to the pool with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the floor; and pool alarms. At sale of a dwelling with a pool, the seller must disclose compliance on the pool safety disclosure. Galt Building Division inspects pool barriers as part of the pool permit. Existing pools built before 2007 are not grandfathered if substantial remodel occurs.
Non-compliant pools can be red-tagged until corrected. Permit denial and civil penalties apply. Drowning incidents involving non-compliant barriers can expose owners to significant liability.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle pool barriers.
See how Galt's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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