Tehama County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- New or remodeled pool/spa permit
- Feature count
- At least 2 of 7 listed
- Example features
- Fence, self-latching gate, safety cover
- Small-unit exemption
- Under 5,000 gal, walls above grade
- Governing section
- § 15.24.040
Summary
Once a permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a Tehama County, California home, state law adopted into the county code requires at least two listed drowning-prevention safety features, such as fencing or a self-latching gate.
Except as provided in Section 115925, 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, provided that one of the two required safety features shall consist of an enclosure or safety cover as described in items 1, 2, and 3 below:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Tehama County's swimming pool code (Chapter 15.24) covers pool, spa, and hot tub installations and locally amends the state Swimming Pool Safety Act. Under § 15.24.040, once a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home in unincorporated Tehama County, it must have at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention safety features, including an isolating fence, self-latching gate, or approved safety cover, plus a second feature such as a door alarm. Small prefabricated spas or hot tubs under 5,000 gallons with walls entirely above grade skip the permit itself under a separate exemption, so this barrier mandate applies once a permit is actually triggered.
Violations & Fines
Building or remodeling a pool or spa without the required safety features risks permit denial or code-enforcement action; unpermitted pool work is also a misdemeanor and subject to civil penalties under Chapter 10.14 of the county code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my new hot tub need a safety barrier in Tehama County?
Is this a county rule or a state rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tehama County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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