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

Under Title 9, Division 10, Section 91003.01.F, every swimming pool must be enclosed by a wall, fence or other structure with a minimum height of five (5) feet, constructed so as to obstruct access from the home and by persons other than the owners or occupants. Required gates and doors must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches placed at least five feet above ground level, and all gates through the enclosure must be kept securely closed and latched at all times. The fence, gate or protective device must also satisfy applicable fire regulations, State law and County ordinances. The County permits documented alternatives in place of a perfect enclosure: an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; exit alarms on doors and operable windows (sill under 48 inches) that give direct pool access; and self-closing, self-latching devices on house-to-pool doors with a release mechanism no lower than 54 inches above the floor. A property owner may apply to the Building Official for a variance from the fencing requirement by describing an alternate safeguard, which may be approved where a fence is impractical or the alternate control is continuously effective; the decision is appealable to the Board of Appeals. These County rules track the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922-115929).