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

California Health & Safety Code section 115922 (last amended by SB 552, eff. Jan. 1, 2025) requires that whenever a building permit is issued for construction of a new swimming pool or spa, or for remodeling of an existing pool or spa, at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. Acceptable features include a compliant enclosure isolating the pool from the home, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, an ASTM F1346-certified safety cover, exit alarms on doors and windows facing the pool, self-closing/self-latching devices on doors providing pool access (release no lower than 54 inches), an ASTM F2208-certified water alarm, or another method providing equivalent protection. When an enclosure is used, HSC section 115923 requires: minimum 60-inch height; maximum 2-inch ground clearance; gaps that do not pass a 4-inch sphere; an outside surface free of climbable footholds/handholds; and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool with the latch placed at least 60 inches above ground. The Napa County Building Division supplies a Pool Safety Notice and Residential Pools & Spas submittal checklist to applicants.