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Sandoval County, NM Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Minimum barrier height: 5 feet
Gates: Self-closing, self-latching
Wrought-iron bar spacing: Max 4 inches
Front yard pools: Prohibited
Governing section: CZO § 14.F.1
Permit required: Yes, § 15.G(2)[h]

Summary

Every swimming pool in Sandoval County must be enclosed by a solid wall, fence, or chain-link fence at least five feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Section 14.F.1 also caps wrought-iron bar spacing at four inches so young children cannot squeeze through.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Sandoval County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

F.Swimming Pools. The following regulations shall apply to all swimming pools.1.All swimming pools shall be enclosed by a solid wall or fence or chain link fence not less than five (5) feet in height. All gates shall be self-closing with self-closing latches and be constructed in such a manner as to prevent uninvited access. Wrought iron gates and fences shall have bar openings spaced at a maximum of four (4) inches.

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Full Breakdown

F of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance sets pool standards countywide. Subsection 1 requires every pool to be enclosed by a solid wall or fence, or a chain-link fence, at least five feet high, with gates that are self-closing, fitted with self-closing latches, and built to prevent uninvited access; any wrought-iron gates or fencing must have bar openings no wider than four inches. 2. 3. 4. 6 flatly bars any pool, in-ground or portable, from the required front yard. G(2)[h].

Violations & Fines

A pool built or maintained without the required five-foot barrier and self-closing, self-latching gate is a Zoning Ordinance violation enforced by the Zoning Officer under Section 15.F. The Zoning Officer issues a written notice with 30 days to correct the deficiency; an uncorrected violation can bring a citation and a civil fine of up to $300 under Section 24, which the county can record as a lien on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high must my pool fence be in Sandoval County?

At least five feet, whether it is a solid wall, solid fence, or chain-link fence, under Section 14.F.1. If you use wrought-iron gates or fencing, the bar openings cannot exceed four inches, and every gate must be self-closing with a self-closing latch built to keep out uninvited visitors.

Can I put a pool in my front yard?

No. Section 14.F.6 flatly prohibits swimming pools, including non-permanent wading pools deeper than eighteen inches per Section 14.F.5, from the required front yard in every zoning district in Sandoval County. Pools belong in the side or rear yard, subject to the setback distances set for your district.

Do I need a permit to build a pool?

Yes. Section 15.G(2)[h] requires a building permit application, a site plan, and a pool plan before construction, submitted to the Zoning Officer along with the applicable fee under Section 15.G. The permit review confirms compliance with the Section 14.F barrier and setback standards.

Sources & Official References

[1]Sandoval County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

Other rules in Sandoval County

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Pool PermitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Sandoval County rules

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