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

Pool barrier rules in the City of Sacramento are governed by Sacramento City Code 15.64.070 and the California Building Code (CBC §3109) as adopted in Title 15 of the City Code, in addition to the state Swimming Pool Safety Act in HSC §§115920-115929. The City's CDD-0257 Private Swimming Pool Requirements handout (Community Development Department, 300 Richards Blvd) restates the rules building inspectors enforce: barrier at least 60 inches above grade measured from the side facing away from the pool, with no more than 2 inches of clearance under the bottom (4 inches over a solid surface like concrete deck or when mounted on top of an above-ground pool). Openings cannot allow passage of a 1 3/4-inch sphere; chain link must be 11 gauge or heavier with mesh no greater than 1 3/4 inches. Access gates must open away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and the latch release must be at least 60 inches above the ground. The outside surface must be free of handholds or footholds that would allow a child under five to climb over. Garage overhead doors and vehicle gates may not serve as part of the enclosure. Per HSC §115922, when a building permit is issued for a new pool or major remodel, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven approved features (compliant enclosure, ASTM F2286 mesh fence, ASTM F1346 safety cover, exit alarms on house doors, self-closing/self-latching house doors with release at least 54 inches, ASTM F2208 pool alarm, or other equivalent independently verified protection).