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Los Angeles County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Barrier height: 60 inches above grade
Cover exception standard: ASTM F 1346-compliant lockable cover
Permit type: Combined swimming pool permit
Governs: Unincorporated LA County only

Summary

In unincorporated LA County, outdoor and indoor spas and hot tubs need the same pool-style barrier as swimming pools, but a lockable ASTM-rated safety cover can replace the house-access separation fence.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood, Lancaster, Palmdale, Norwalk, Pomona, Santa Monica, Downey, Burbank, Inglewood, Long Beach, Glendale, Compton, El Monte, Santa Clarita, West Covina, Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Torrance have their own fencing & safety requirements rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

D. Nonself-Contained and Self-Contained Spas. For outdoor and indoor spas, protection shall comply with the requirements of this section. EXCEPTION: A lockable spa cover complying with ASTM F 1346, as determined by the building official, shall be provided in lieu of the separation fence required by subsection (A)(6) of this section.

Source: LA County Code Chapter 11.51 - Barriers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot TubsView official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 11.51 treats self-contained and nonself-contained spas the same as swimming pools for barrier purposes: a 60-inch fence or wall with self-latching gates is required around the unit. The one spa-specific break is the direct-access exception, where a home's door opens straight onto the spa, a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F 1346 can stand in for the separation fence the building official would otherwise require. Title 26's combined swimming pool permit (Sec. 106.5.7) covers the building, electrical, plumbing and excavation work for installing a spa or hot tub in one application. This applies only to the unincorporated area; the 88 incorporated cities, including the City of Los Angeles, enforce their own pool/spa codes.

Violations & Fines

No permit or barrier means a stop-work order and correction notice from the Building Official; an uncovered, unfenced spa can also draw a Title 11 misdemeanor citation under Sec. 11.50.130 for the underlying pool-barrier chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a hot tub need a fence like a pool does?

Yes under Chapter 11.51, unless a lockable ASTM F 1346 safety cover is used instead of the separation fence where a door opens directly onto it.

Do I need a permit to install a spa in unincorporated LA County?

Yes. Building Code Sec. 106.5.7 lets you get one combined permit covering building, electrical, plumbing and excavation work.

Does this rule apply inside the City of Los Angeles?

No. The County Code's pool/spa barrier rules bind only the unincorporated area; the City of LA and other incorporated cities use their own codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Los Angeles County

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All Los Angeles County rules

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