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

The County's Zoning Ordinance does not set its own pool-fence height; Section 4.20.J expressly notes that fence-enclosure requirements established by the Uniform Building Code or other regulations may further limit where a pool can be placed. The controlling standard is California's Swimming Pool Safety Act. Health and Safety Code Section 115922 requires that, when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home, the pool be equipped with at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention features; one of those features is an isolating enclosure meeting Section 115923. Under Section 115923, a qualifying enclosure must have a minimum height of 60 inches; a maximum vertical clearance of two inches from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure; gaps or voids that do not allow passage of a sphere four inches or greater in diameter; an outside surface free of handholds or footholds that could let a child under five climb over; and access gates that open away from the pool and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. Removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, paired with a self-closing, self-latching gate, is an alternative qualifying feature. The local building official inspects these features before issuing final approval.