Davis, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Pool definition
- Holds water over 18 inches deep
- Safety features
- At least 2 of 7 required per pool/spa
- Enclosure
- Must fully surround, block outside access
- Latch height
- Self-closing device set at min 54 inches
- Applies to
- New pools and remodels since 1998
Summary
Any Davis home getting a new pool, spa, or pool remodel must isolate it with an enclosure and add at least two more drowning-prevention features under Section 8.01.040(g)'s local amendment to the California Building Code. The rule defines "pool" as any structure holding water over 18 inches deep and lists seven qualifying safety options.
"Swimming pool" or "pool" means any prefabricated, manufactured or site- built structure, either above or below ground, intended for swimming, recreational bathing, or to hold water over 18 inches deep. " ... Enclosure" means a fence, a wall or combination thereof, which completely surrounds the pool and obstructs access to the pool from the house or adjacent properties. ... Commencing on January 1, 1998, except as provided in Section 115925, whenever a building permit is issued for construction of a new pool or spa, or any building permit is issued for remodeling a pool or spa, at a private, single family home, the pool shall be isolated from access from other properties by an enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923. The pool or spa shall also be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: ... A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54" inches above the floor on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4915048; v22 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
040(g). A "pool" is any prefabricated, manufactured, or site-built structure meant for swimming or recreational bathing, or any structure holding water over 18 inches deep, whether above or below ground. An "enclosure" is a fence or wall, or a combination of the two, that completely surrounds the pool and blocks access from the house or from neighboring properties. Whenever the city issues a building permit for a new residential pool or spa, or for remodeling one, at a private single-family home, the pool must be isolated by an enclosure meeting state Section 115923, and the owner must additionally install at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention features: the isolation enclosure itself, ASTM F2286-compliant removable mesh fencing with a self-closing, self-latching gate, an ASTM F1346-23 safety cover, exit alarms on doors and windows that open onto the pool area, a self-closing and self-latching device on those doors mounted no lower than 54 inches above the floor, an ASTM F2208 pool-entry alarm, or another method independently verified as equally protective. 01.
Violations & Fines
Building or remodeling a residential pool or spa without at least two of the required drowning-prevention features is a permit violation under Article 8.01, prosecuted as a misdemeanor under Section 8.01.160: up to $1,000 and six months in jail per day of violation. The city's chief building official can also withhold final approval on the permit until an enclosure or approved substitute is in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Davis require a fence around a pool?
What counts as a pool under Davis's rule?
How high must a self-latching pool door device sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davis
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