El Cerrito, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

California's Swimming Pool Safety Act applies statewide and is enforced through building permits issued by Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division. Any residential pool constructed, installed, or remodeled on or after January 1, 2018 must be equipped with at least two of seven approved drowning prevention safety features. The most common is an enclosure that isolates the pool from the dwelling with a minimum 60-inch barrier, non-climbable on the exterior, with openings no larger than 4 inches and gaps under the fence no more than 2 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches at least 60 inches above the ground, opening outward away from the pool. Other qualifying features include removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool, self-closing/self-latching devices on those doors, pool alarms meeting ASTM F2208, or other means of protection in compliance with ASTM standards. Contra Costa County follows the California Residential Code (CRC Appendix V / CBC Chapter 31B). A home inspector must verify compliance at time of sale of a home with a pool. Violations are abated through building code enforcement.