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

Pool barrier requirements in Riverside are set primarily by California state law. California Health & Safety Code Section 115922, as amended by SB 442 (Newman, 2017), requires that when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing pool or spa at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least TWO of seven approved drowning prevention safety features: (1) an enclosure meeting Section 115923, (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with self-closing/self-latching gate, (3) an ASTM F1346-23 safety pool cover, (4) exit alarms on doors and windows, (5) self-closing/self-latching devices on doors with release at least 54 inches above the floor, (6) a swimming-pool alarm, or (7) other independently verified equivalent means of protection.

Per Section 115923, an enclosure barrier must have: a minimum height of 60 inches, a maximum 2-inch vertical clearance from ground to bottom, gates that open away from the pool and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above ground, no gaps allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere, and an outside surface free of handholds/footholds. The City of Riverside CEDD Building & Safety Division enforces these standards at permit and final inspection. Riverside has not adopted local amendments more permissive than state law.