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

San Bernardino County Building & Safety Information Bulletin IB-0007 sets the barrier (enclosure) standards for residential pools, spas, and hot tubs, drawn from California Building Code Chapter 31 Section 3109, California Residential Code Appendix CI, and Health & Safety Code Article 2.5 (Swimming Pool Safety Act, Sections 115920-115929). The top of the enclosure must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool, and the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches. The barrier must be free of gaps or voids that allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, and decorative cutouts or protrusions that make it climbable are prohibited. Where horizontal and vertical members are used and the horizontals are less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members must be on the pool side. Chain-link mesh may not exceed 1-1/2-inch squares (or 1-3/4 inches with slats). Access gates must comply with all enclosure rules, open outward away from the pool, accommodate a locking device, and be self-closing and self-latching. If the latch release is less than 60 inches above the ground, it must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, with no opening larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. An approved ASTM F1346-91 safety pool cover may substitute for the enclosure.