Montebello, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 5 feet
- Max opening size
- 6 inches square
- Gate latch height
- 4 feet minimum off ground
- Covered pool depth
- over 24 inches of water
- Exempt pools
- public pools charging admission
Summary
Every swimming pool in the City of Montebello, defined as any pool or spa holding water over twenty-four inches deep, must be completely surrounded by a fence or solid barrier at least five feet high with no gaps larger than six inches square. Section 15.04.090 also requires every gate to self-close and self-latch, and the building division withholds final pool approval until the barrier is in place.
A.Every person in possession of land within the city, either as owner, purchaser under contract, lessee, tenant or licensee, upon which is situated a swimming pool shall, at all times maintain on the lot or premises upon which such pool is located and completely surrounding such pool, lot or premises, a fence or other solid structure not less than five feet in height with no opening therein (other than doors or gates) larger than six inches square. All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be kept closed at all times when not in actual use and shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device placed not less than four feet from the bottom of such structure designed to keep and capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed at all times and when not in actual use; provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any part of the enclosure hereinabove required need not be so equipped. ... D.As used in this section, a swimming pool is any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over twenty-four (24) inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools and spas, and fixed in-place wading pools.
Full Breakdown
Section 15.04.090(A) puts the fencing duty on every person in possession of the land, whether owner, contract purchaser, lessee, tenant or licensee, and requires the barrier to completely surround the pool, lot or premises at all times, not just during construction. The five-foot minimum height is measured against a structure with no opening larger than six inches square anywhere in the enclosure, which rules out most standard picket or split-rail fencing unless it is retrofitted with mesh or solid infill. Every gate or door through the enclosure must stay closed when not in actual use and carry a self-closing, self-latching device mounted at least four feet off the ground so it cannot be reached and released by a small child, except that the door of an occupied dwelling forming part of the enclosure is not required to carry the device.
Subsection (B) ties the fencing rule to the permit process directly: plans submitted for a new pool must show compliance with the section, and final inspection and approval of the completed pool is withheld until every requirement is met. The rule does not reach public swimming pools that charge admission, per subsection (C), and subsection (D) defines a covered swimming pool broadly to include in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools, spas, and fixed in-place wading pools holding more than twenty-four inches of water, so most residential spas and portable pools deep enough to submerge a small child are covered.
Violations & Fines
A pool built or maintained without the required five-foot barrier, self-closing gate hardware, or with final approval never obtained under Section 15.04.090(B), leaves the owner in violation of Chapter 15.04 and subject to the citywide general penalty in Section 1.12.010, a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to one thousand dollars, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of an unenclosed pool counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does my Montebello pool fence have to be?
Do pool gates need special hardware?
Does a small inflatable or above-ground pool need fencing?
When does the city inspect my new pool's fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montebello
California rules heatmap·Compare Montebello to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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