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

Research of the Del Norte County Code and Community Development Department materials did not find a county-specific pool-barrier ordinance, so the controlling standard in the unincorporated county is California's statewide Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code sections 115920 through 115929), enforced through the adopted California Residential Code. Under HSC section 115922, whenever a building permit is issued to construct a new swimming pool or spa, or to remodel an existing one, at a private single-family home, the pool or spa must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. Those features are: (1) an enclosure that isolates the pool or spa from the home and meets HSC section 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on doors and windows with direct access to the pool; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device on doors providing direct access, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the floor; (6) an alarm that, when placed in the pool, sounds upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entry (ASTM F2208); or (7) another approved means of protection providing equal or greater protection. When an isolation enclosure is used, HSC section 115923 requires the barrier to be a minimum of 60 inches (five feet) high, with no more than a two-inch gap at the bottom, no gaps that allow passage of a four-inch sphere, gates that are self-closing and self-latching opening away from the pool, and an exterior surface free of footholds for young children. Because the county follows state law rather than imposing a stricter local barrier, applicants should plan to the 60-inch state minimum and confirm the chosen safety features with Building Inspection at plan check.