Fullerton has locally amended California's Swimming Pool Safety Act through FMC 14.04.150 and 14.04.160, requiring every new or remodeled single-family pool or spa to have a 60-inch isolation enclosure (mandatory) PLUS at least one additional drowning-prevention feature - a stricter standard than the state default, which only requires any two of seven features.
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code sections 115920-115929) sets statewide minimum barrier requirements for residential pools and spas. Fullerton has gone further: FMC section 14.04.150 amends HSC 115922(a) so that, instead of allowing any two of the seven drowning-prevention features, the city requires Item #1 (a code-compliant isolation enclosure) PLUS at least one additional feature from the remaining list (removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, an ASTM F1346-23 safety cover, exit alarms on the home's doors, self-closing/self-latching door devices with a release at least 54 inches high, a water-detection alarm in the pool, or other equivalent independently-verified protection). FMC 14.04.160 further amends HSC 115923 to require, among other things, that any access gate be self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground, that no opening allow passage of a 4-inch sphere, and that the barrier maintain a minimum 3-foot-wide walking path between the barrier and the water. Walls of the residence or accessory structures used to complete the isolation enclosure must have door openings protected by an exit alarm or a self-closing/self-latching device, and that door protection cannot also be counted as the second drowning-prevention feature. The state baseline still applies: minimum 60-inch barrier height, no more than 2 inches of clearance under the bottom, climb-resistant exterior, and a gate that opens away from the pool.
Construction or remodel work that does not meet the FMC 14.04.150 enclosure-plus-one-feature standard cannot pass Fullerton Building & Safety final inspection. Code Enforcement (714-738-6553) can cite owners under Title 14, and an unenclosed pool is independently a public nuisance under FMC 6.01.030, subjecting the property to abatement and administrative citations. In a drowning incident, noncompliance creates significant civil liability under California negligence-per-se principles.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise standards in FMC Chapter 15.90. Leaf blowers must comply with the 55 dB residential property-...
Fullerton, CA
Per FMC § 15.90.050(A), construction, repair, remodeling, and grading are exempt from decibel limits only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any day except S...
Fullerton, CA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted, but Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL) publishes voluntary noise-abatement procedures: Runway 06 is the preferred take...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton has no separate amplified-sound ordinance; live or recorded amplified music is held to the same FMC § 15.90.030 decibel limits as any other source....
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton contracts with OC Animal Care to enforce Orange County's barking-dog ordinance: a dog barking incessantly for 30 minutes or barking intermittently ...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton follows California requirements for EV charging infrastructure. The city streamlines permits for residential Level 2 charger installations and new ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle fencing requirements.
See how Fullerton's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.