Simi Valley, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 60 inches (5 feet) on the side facing away from the pool
- Safety features required
- At least 2 of 7 listed in HSC Section 115922(a)
- Max gap under barrier
- 2 inches between grade and bottom of barrier
- Max opening size
- Cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass
- Gate latch height
- Release mechanism at least 54 inches above bottom of gate
- Inspecting agency
- Simi Valley Building & Safety Division, (805) 583-6723
Summary
When a Simi Valley building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa, California's Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features, typically including a code-compliant enclosure isolating the pool from the house.
Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. (2) Removable mesh fencing that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device. (3) An approved safety pool cover, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 115921. (4) Exit alarms on the private single-family home's doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa. (5) A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa. (6) An alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. (7) Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the features set forth above.
Full Breakdown
Simi Valley enforces California Health & Safety Code (HSC) Sections 115920-115929 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) through its Building & Safety Division. HSC Section 115922(a) requires, when a building permit is issued for construction of a new pool/spa or remodeling of an existing pool/spa at a private single-family home, the pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of seven listed safety features. Option (1) is an enclosure that meets HSC Section 115923 and isolates the pool from the home. The enclosure must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) in height measured on the side facing away from the pool, with no more than 2 inches between the bottom of the barrier and grade, no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere, and gates that are self-closing, self-latching, open outward away from the pool, and have the latch release at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate (HSC Section 115923).
Other accepted features include removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, a power or manual safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346-23, exit alarms on doors/windows providing direct pool access, a self-closing/self-latching device on those doors with the release at least 54 inches above the floor, an in-water alarm meeting ASTM F2208, or another approved equivalent. Before final approval, the Simi Valley building inspector must verify these features are installed and operable.
Violations & Fines
Pools or spas that fail final inspection cannot receive a certificate of completion; failure to maintain the required safety features after installation can trigger code-enforcement action under the Simi Valley Municipal Code and exposes owners to civil liability under California premises-liability law for any drowning or injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Simi Valley require its own pool fence, or just the state's?
Is a fence the only acceptable option?
How tall must the pool barrier be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simi Valley
California rules heatmap·Compare Simi Valley to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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