Unincorporated San Bernardino County applies California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 31 Section 3109, California Residential Code Appendix CI, and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. H&S Code Sections 115920-115929). Private single-family pools and spas deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate, and new or remodeled pools must add at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features.
San Bernardino County Land Use Services Building and Safety enforces the requirements through Information Bulletin IB-0007 and the building permit process. Per Cal. H&S Code Section 115923, the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side away from the pool, with a maximum 2-inch gap between the bottom of the barrier and grade and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Climbable design features (decorative cutouts, horizontal members closer than 45 inches apart) on the outside face are prohibited. Pedestrian gates must open outward, away from the pool, and be self-closing/self-latching with the latch release at least 60 inches above grade or shielded so it cannot be reached through nearby openings. When a building permit is pulled for a new or remodeled pool/spa at a private single-family home, Cal. H&S Code Section 115922 also requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention features: a compliant enclosure, a removable mesh fence with self-closing/self-latching gate, an ASTM F1346 safety pool cover, an exit alarm on doors leading to the pool, a self-closing/self-latching device on those doors with a release at least 54 inches above the floor, an ASTM F2208 in-water alarm, or other approved means giving equivalent protection. Building inspections must be passed before final approval is granted.
Failed barrier inspection blocks final permit approval and certificate of occupancy. Operating a pool with a non-compliant barrier is a code violation enforced by Land Use Services Code Enforcement; administrative citations and orders to abate may be issued, and the County can recover costs of corrective work. Owners can also face civil liability under Cal. H&S Code Section 115928 if a child is injured due to a defective barrier.
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