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

California state law preempts local pool barrier rules and applies citywide in Oakley. Per HSC §115923, a permanent enclosure must be at least 60 inches high, with no more than 2 inches of vertical clearance between the bottom of the barrier and the ground, no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, and no handholds or footholds on the outside. Per HSC §115922, when a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or for a remodel that creates a pool deeper than 18 inches, the pool must include at least two of seven approved features: (1) a compliant 60-inch enclosure isolating the pool from the home, (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing/self-latching gate, (3) an ASTM F1346 approved safety cover, (4) exit alarms on house doors providing direct pool access, (5) self-closing/self-latching devices on doors with the release at least 54 inches above the floor, (6) a pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208 (surface or subsurface), or (7) other independently verified equivalent protection. Oakley adopts the California Building Code under Oakley Municipal Code Title 7 (Buildings and Construction), and the Oakley Building Division reviews pool plans and inspects barriers before final approval. The Oakley Swimming Pool and Spa handout reiterates that gates must self-close, self-latch, and open outward, and that the latch release must be at least 60 inches above grade.