Stockton, CA Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

California Health & Safety Code §115923 requires that any swimming pool or spa over 18 inches deep at single-family homes built or remodeled after Jan. 1, 2018, must be protected by at least two of the seven listed drowning-prevention safety features. The most common is an enclosure barrier meeting §115923 specifications: minimum 60 inches (5 feet) high; maximum 2-inch vertical clearance from ground to bottom of enclosure; openings that do not permit passage of a 4-inch sphere; exterior surface free of handholds or footholds accessible to children under five; access gates must open away from the pool and be self-closing with a self-latching device placed at least 60 inches above the ground. Alternatives under §115922 include removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing self-latching keyed gate, an approved pool safety cover (ASTM F1346), exit alarms on doors leading to the pool, self-closing/self-latching devices on doors to the pool, or an alarm in the pool. Stockton's Building Division enforces these requirements at building permit final inspection (SMC Ch. 15.08 adopting the California Building Code).