Contra Costa County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Reference
- CA HSC § 115922-115923
- Minimum Fence Height
- 60 inches
- Max Ground Clearance
- 2 inches
- Gap Size Limit
- Under 4-inch sphere
- Gate Latch Height
- At least 60 inches above ground
- Required Features
- At least 2 of 7 listed
Summary
Pool enclosures in unincorporated Contra Costa County must be at least 60 inches tall, have self-closing/self-latching gates that open away from the pool, and limit ground clearance to 2 inches. The enclosure is one of two required drowning prevention safety features under the Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Act, enforced by the County Building Inspection Division.
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.
Full Breakdown
Contra Costa County enforces California Health & Safety Code § 115922-115923 (Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Act, effective January 1, 2007) through its Building Inspection Division. Per the County's Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Act handout, every new pool or spa built or remodeled at a private single-family home must include at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features. If a fence/enclosure is selected, HSC § 115923 requires: (a) access gates that open away from the pool with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground; (b) a minimum enclosure height of 60 inches; (c) a maximum ground-to-bottom vertical clearance of 2 inches; (d) gaps that do not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; and (e) an outside surface free of handholds or footholds that could enable a child under 5 to climb over.
Removable mesh fencing must meet ASTM F2286 standards and be paired with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate. Prior to final approval, the local building code official must inspect the safety devices.
Violations & Fines
Building permit final approval will be withheld until the building official inspects and verifies the drowning prevention safety features. Construction without a permit or failure to meet HSC § 115923 specifications results in stop-work orders, mandatory corrections, and re-inspection fees through the Building Inspection Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the fence have to fully isolate the pool from the house?
Can I use a removable mesh pool fence?
Does this apply to apartments or hotels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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