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

Sierra County does not publish its own pool-fence height in the zoning code; the County's zoning definitions (Sierra County Code Chapter 15.08) contain no separate 'swimming pool' or 'fence' standard. Instead, the County adopts the California Building Standards Code under Sierra County Code section 12.04.080, and California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code sections 115920-115929) controls barriers. Under Health & Safety Code section 115922, when a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or remodel, at a private single-family home, the pool must have at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention safety features. One option is an enclosure under Health & Safety Code section 115923 that isolates the pool from the home. That enclosure must be at least 60 inches high, have a maximum ground-to-bottom clearance of two inches, and use self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool, with the latch release placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. Other accepted features include approved safety covers, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, exit alarms on doors leading to the pool, and self-closing/self-latching devices on those doors. The local building official inspects these features before granting final approval.