Riverside, CA Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Swimming pool and spa safety in Riverside is governed by the California Building Code §3109 and the Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115920 et seq.). Any pool or spa that can hold water more than 18 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) tall measured from the outside, with openings no larger than 4 inches and no horizontal handholds between 1.75 and 4 inches apart. Gates must swing away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 60 inches above the ground. California law (SB 442, effective 2018) requires that pools at new or remodeled single-family homes include at least two of seven listed safety features, such as approved enclosure, removable mesh fencing with lockable self-closing gate, approved safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors leading to the pool, self-closing/self-latching devices on doors, approved alarms, or other means equivalent to the enclosure standard. When the house wall forms part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool must have alarms or self-closing hardware. Violations are commonly cited during resale inspections and after drowning incidents. Riverside Building & Safety inspects during pool permit final approval.