Pittsburg, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- HSC 115922: 2
- HSC 115922: 2 of 7 safety features required
- Barrier Minimum Height:
- Barrier minimum height: 60 inches
- Gate Latch Minimum:
- Gate latch minimum: 54 inches above ground
- Max 4-inch gap
- Max 4-inch gap between vertical fence members
- Pittsburg Building Division
- Pittsburg Building Division permit required
Summary
Pool barriers in Pittsburg are governed by California Health and Safety Code sections 115920 through 115929 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) as enforced through the California Building Code. Any new pool or spa or remodel equipped to be filled with water more than 18 inches deep must include at least two of seven approved drowning prevention safety features, with an enclosing barrier at least 60 inches high being the most common. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above the ground.
(a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features:
(1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home.
(2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
(3) A manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover that is accompanied by a label verifying that the cover meets the specifications of the ASTM International F1346-23 standard.
(4) Exit alarms on the private single-family home's doors and windows that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa without any intervening enclosure.
(5) A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
(6) An alarm in good repair and operable as designed that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.
(7) Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the features set forth above and has been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory.
Full Breakdown
California Health and Safety Code section 115922, as amended by SB 442 (2017) and subsequent legislation, requires that any swimming pool, spa, or similar feature capable of holding water more than 18 inches deep that is constructed, remodeled, or installed on or after January 1, 2018 be equipped with at least two drowning prevention safety features from a list of seven: (1) an enclosure that meets the barrier requirements of section 115923 and isolates the pool from the home and yard; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 standards combined with a self-closing self-latching gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool; (5) self-closing self-latching devices on doors with a release mechanism at least 54 inches above the floor; (6) an alarm complying with ASTM F2208 that activates on pool water disturbance; or (7) other means of protection providing protection equal to or greater than the listed devices.
The enclosure barrier under section 115923 must be at least 60 inches high, have no more than 2 inches of clearance from the ground, contain no gaps greater than 4 inches between vertical members, and have no climbable horizontal surfaces within the barrier. Gates must open outward from the pool, be self-closing, and self-latching with the latch 54 inches or higher. Building permits are required from the Pittsburg Building Division for pool construction and for safety feature modifications, and the inspector verifies compliance before final sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pool fence height does California require in Pittsburg?
Do I need a permit to add a pool fence in Pittsburg?
Does the state law apply to existing pools?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburg
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