Grass Valley, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

The intent of the swimming pool barrier requirements is to prevent uncontrolled access by children from a street or adjacent property and from the home. The Nevada County swimming pool requirements complies with the State Health and Safety Code Section 115920 to 115927 and Nevada County Land Use and Development Code Chapter V. Customers have the choice of the following A or B below when choosing a Pool Barrier. A. Fencing around property utilizing the house as part of the barrier to prevent access to pool must meet the following requirements: I. Fencing: a. Minimum of 60'' (inches) in height above the ground. b. Opening between the ground and bottom of the fence is not more than 2'' (inches) c. Openings in the fence shall not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4'' (inches). d. An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over. Horizontal members shall be spaced at least 48'' (inches) apart. Chain link may be used provided that the openings are not greater than 1-3/4 inches in any dimension. Welded Wire fencing may be used provided that the spacing between vertical wires is not greater than 1-3/4''. II. Gate(s): a. Minimum of 60'' (inches) in height above the ground. b. Access gates shall open away from the swimming pool. c. Shall be a self-closing, self-latching with latching device to be a minimum of 60'' (inches) above the ground. III. Doors giving direct access to swimming pool area: a. Shall be equipped with self-closing, self-latching device placed no lower than 54'' (inches) above the floor or see Section IV (a) below. b. Garage man door shall be considered as a gate; shall comply with Gate Requirements see Section II above. IV. Sliding doors and windows with a sill height less than 48 inches giving direct access to swimming pool area: a. Shall be equipped with audible alarm with a sound of sufficient volume which can be heard throughout the dwelling. The alarm device shall be approved by the Chief Building Official. V. Safety Pool Cover: a. Safety pool cover complying with American Society for testing and materials (ASTM), in compliance with standard F1346-91 or approved by Chief Building Official may be used in lieu of alarm devices that are required for doors and sliding doors.