Pool fences in San Francisco must comply with California Health & Safety Code Sections 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) and CBC Section 3109. Minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate is required around any pool or spa over 18 inches deep.
California has statewide pool barrier law that SF enforces through DBI. Under H&S 115922, any new pool or spa (or permit to substantially modify an existing one) must have at least two of seven enumerated safety features, but in practice SF DBI requires a compliant enclosure barrier as the primary measure: minimum 60 inches tall, no openings greater than 4 inches, no foot/hand holds that a child could climb, and a self-closing, self-latching gate with the latch at least 60 inches above ground or 3 inches below the top on the pool side. Secondary options include pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, removable mesh fencing, pool alarms, and door alarms on any house door leading to the pool. Residential hot tubs with safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from full enclosure. Permits are required for the pool and the barrier, and final sign-off by DBI is needed before filling. Non-compliant barriers after an incident create significant civil liability under California's attractive-nuisance doctrine.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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