Solano County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 60 inches (Health & Safety Code 115923)
- Gate
- Self-closing, self-latching, swings away from pool
- Latch height
- At least 60 inches above ground
- Max opening
- Will not pass a 4-inch sphere
- Required safety features
- At least 2 of 7 in HSC 115922(a)
Summary
Pool barriers in unincorporated Solano County follow California state law. Through the 2022 California Residential Code (Appendix AX) adopted under County Code Chapter 6.3 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922-115923), pools need a 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the pool.
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. (2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device. (3) A manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover that is accompanied by a label verifying that the cover meets the specifications of the ASTM International F1346-23 standard. 115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter. (e) An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
3. Health & Safety Code Section 115923 establishes the enclosure standard: an isolation barrier at least 60 inches high measured from the outside, a maximum 2-inch gap between the bottom of the barrier and grade, and no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Gates must open away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 60 inches above the ground. Under Health & Safety Code Section 115922(a), new construction or remodel of a pool at a single-family home must include at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features - the enclosure, an ASTM F2286 removable mesh fence, an ASTM F1346 safety cover, exit alarms on doors to the pool, self-closing/self-latching door hardware, an ASTM F2208 pool alarm, or an approved equivalent. The barrier is inspected before final approval per Section 115922(c).
Violations & Fines
A non-compliant barrier fails final inspection, so the pool cannot be legally used or finaled. Disabling or removing a required barrier after installation can be pursued as a code-compliance violation by Resource Management and may expose the owner to civil liability if a drowning occurs. The county building official will not sign off on the pool until the barrier and at least two Section 115922(a) safety features are verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Solano County have its own pool fence rule?
Can my backyard perimeter fence count as the barrier?
What if the house wall forms one side of the enclosure?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Solano County
California rules heatmap·Compare Solano County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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