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

California Health & Safety Code 115923 requires any newly constructed pool or spa, or any pool that is being remodeled, on a single-family home property to have at least two of seven specified drowning prevention safety features. The most common feature is an enclosure that meets the standards of Section 115923: minimum height of 60 inches; maximum vertical clearance of 2 inches between the ground and the bottom of the enclosure; no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; outside surface free of handholds/footholds that could let a child under 5 climb over; and any access gate must open away from the pool and be self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. Other approved features include an approved safety pool cover, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, an approved pool/door alarm with magnetic contact switch, self-closing/self-latching devices on doors with direct pool access placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor, or other means providing equal or greater protection. Santa Clara County adopts the California Building Code (Title 24 Part 2) including CBC 3109 and CRC AV105, which mirror these requirements. Within the County's own code, fence height is also limited by zoning - Appendix I (Zoning Ordinance) caps most rear/side-yard fences at 6 feet, but pool enclosures may be erected up to the height needed to comply with the Pool Safety Act. The Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development - Building Inspection Office issues pool permits and verifies barrier compliance at final inspection.