Pool barriers in Santa Monica must be at least 5 ft (60 inches) per SMMC §8.12.150 and CA Building Code. All pools, spas, hot tubs, and ponds with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.
Santa Monica requires barriers around all residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs per building code and state safety requirements. Minimum barrier height is typically 48 to 60 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade. Fence openings must be small enough to prevent a 4-inch sphere from passing through. House walls can serve as part of the barrier if doors have alarms or self-closing mechanisms. Above-ground pools with sides 48 inches or higher may satisfy barrier requirements. Pool covers and alarms may supplement but typically cannot replace physical barriers.
Non-compliant barriers: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500. Pool use prohibited until barriers meet code. Liability exposure for accidents.
Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle pool barriers.
See how Santa Monica's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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