Modoc County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Modoc County itself does not publish a separate pool-fence ordinance with a county-specific height; the county relies on state law and the adopted California building codes. Under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code Sections 115922 and following), when a building permit is issued for a new residential pool or spa, or for remodeling an existing one, at a private single-family home, the pool or spa must be equipped with at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features. One approved feature is an enclosure that isolates the pool from the home. Under the Act, that enclosure must be a minimum of 60 inches in height, have no more than a 2-inch gap between the ground and the bottom of the barrier, and have no gaps or openings that would allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. Access gates must open away from the pool and be self-closing with a self-latching device with the release placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. Because Modoc County adopted the 2022 California Building Standards Code (Ord. No. 221-J, effective August 1, 2024), the California Residential Code and California Building Code pool-barrier provisions are enforced locally through the building-permit process administered by the Building and Safety Department in Alturas. Property owners should treat the 60-inch barrier and self-latching gate as the baseline and confirm which two safety features they will install with the building official before final inspection.