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

Pool barriers in unincorporated Stanislaus County are governed by the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code 115920–115929), which the County Building Permit Division enforces and summarizes in its published Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements handout. Since January 1, 2018, when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features. These include: an enclosure meeting Health and Safety Code Section 115923 that isolates the pool; removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate; an ASTM F1346 safety pool cover; exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access; a self-closing, self-latching device on the home's pool-access doors with a release no lower than 54 inches; an ASTM F2208 pool alarm; or another verified equivalent. The County's fence detail specifies a minimum barrier height of 5 feet, openings no greater than the noted limits (4 inches maximum at most points), and that where the distance between the tops of horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members must be on the swimming pool side. Hot tubs and spas with an ASTM F1346 locking safety cover are excepted.