Kern County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- County Code
- Kern Co. Code section 17.06.030
- Adopted Code
- 2019 CRC + Appendix V
- State Statute
- CA HSC sections 115920-115929
- Minimum Fence Height
- 60 inches
- Max Ground Clearance
- 2 inches
- Gap Size Limit
- Sphere under 4 inches
- Gate Latch Height
- 60 inches above ground
- Required Safety Features
- At least 2 of 7
Summary
Unincorporated Kern County enforces the California Residential Code Appendix V and the state Swimming Pool Safety Act, which require pool enclosures at least 60 inches tall, with self-closing/self-latching gates that open away from the pool, and no more than 2 inches of ground clearance. The Kern County Residential Code is the 2019 CRC including Appendix V, adopted by reference under Kern County Code section 17.06.030.
17.06.030 California Residential Code - Adopted. California Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 2.5 being that portion of the 2019 edition of the California Building Standards Code, referred to as the California Residential Code, including Appendix Chapters H, K, and V, and as modified and amended by this chapter, is adopted by this reference into the Kern County Residential Code.
Full Breakdown
5) 'including Appendix Chapters H, K, and V' into the Kern County Residential Code. Appendix V of the CRC is titled 'Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs' and incorporates the barrier specifications from California Health & Safety Code section 115923 (Pool Safety Act): the enclosure must have a minimum height of 60 inches; a maximum ground-to-bottom vertical clearance of 2 inches; gaps that do not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; gates that open away from the pool, are self-closing, and are equipped with a self-latching device placed at least 60 inches above the ground; and an outside surface free of handholds or footholds that could enable climbing by children under five.
Under HSC section 115922, new pools and spas at private single-family homes built or remodeled in Kern County's unincorporated areas must include at least two of seven approved drowning prevention safety features (the enclosure is one such option). The Kern County Building Inspection Division verifies compliance before issuing the final building permit approval.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide compliant barrier or safety features is a violation of the adopted Kern County Residential Code and California Building Standards Code. The Building Inspection Division will withhold final approval and may issue stop-work orders. Code Compliance enforces violations through Kern County Public Works; non-compliance can also expose the property owner to civil liability under the Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kern County have its own pool fence ordinance?
What are the 'two of seven' safety features required for new pools?
Does this apply to apartment, hotel, or public pools?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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