Unincorporated Riverside County requires an enclosure barrier at least 60 inches high around outdoor pools and spas under Ordinance 421. The bottom gap may not exceed 2 inches (4 inches over a solid deck). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swing away from the pool, and meet latch-height rules. Chain link must be 11 gauge.
Under Ordinance 421, Section 3.1 (restated in Building & Safety form 284-004), an outdoor pool barrier must have its top at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool, with no climbable structure within 3 feet horizontally that lowers effective height below 60 inches. Maximum bottom clearance is 2 inches, or 4 inches over a solid surface such as a concrete deck or atop an above-ground pool. Where horizontal members are spaced less than 45 inches apart, they must be on the pool side, and the outward face must be free of protrusions, indentations, or cutouts that make it climbable. Openings may not pass a 1-3/4-inch sphere (increasable to a 4-inch sphere where vertical spacing is 45 inches or more). Chain link must be no less than 11 gauge, with a maximum 2-1/4-inch (per the 2025 handout) / 1-1/4-inch (Ord. 421 §3.1.4) mesh per the more stringent standard. Pedestrian access gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and swing away from the pool. Where the latch release is below 54 inches, it must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the gate top, with no opening over 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. Wire or 'critter' fencing must meet chain-link standards; mesh fencing is not allowed as a primary barrier.
An out-of-compliance barrier (too short, excessive gap, non-self-latching gate, climbable design) fails inspection and bars approval to fill the pool. For existing pools, possessing land with a non-compliant barrier violates Ordinance 421, Section 3, which applies to every owner, purchaser, lessee, tenant, or licensee. Enforcement and penalties follow Ordinance 725.
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