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Redwood City, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum Height
Greater than 5 feet (60 inches)
Ground Clearance
Less than 2 inches
Gate
Self-closing, self-latching (latch >5 ft up)
Additional Safety
Two drowning prevention features required

Summary

Pool fences in Redwood City must be greater than 5 feet high (California requires minimum 60 inches), self-latching, self-closing, with no climbable protrusions, vertical ground clearance under 2 inches, and no gaps over 4 inches.

115922. (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. 115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter. (e) An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over.

Source: CA Swimming Pool Safety ActView official code

Full Breakdown

Redwood City's building code (enforced under CA H&S §115920) requires pool fences to be greater than 5 feet (60 inches) in height. Fences must be clear of protrusions used for climbing, have a self-latching device located more than 5 feet above ground, a vertical ground clearance of less than 2 inches, and no gaps or voids greater than 4 inches in diameter. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening away from the pool. Two additional drowning prevention safety features are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fence does my pool need in Redwood City?
Pool fences in Redwood City must be greater than 5 feet high (California requires minimum 60 inches), self-latching, self-closing, with no climbable protrusions, vertical ground clearance under 2 inches, and no gaps over 4 inches.
How tall must a pool fence be in Redwood City?
Minimum Height: Greater than 5 feet (60 inches). Ground Clearance: Less than 2 inches. Gate: Self-closing, self-latching (latch >5 ft up). Additional Safety: Two drowning prevention features required.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Redwood City

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