Pool enclosures in Sonoma must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing/self-latching gates opening away from the pool, no more than a 2-inch ground gap and no openings that pass a 4-inch sphere - the isolation-enclosure option under SMC 19.50.080 and California Pool Safety Act HSC §115922-115923.
SMC 19.50.080 requires swimming pools to be secured by fencing or walls to prevent uncontrolled access by children in compliance with the adopted building code. Permit Sonoma CNI-044 implements California Health & Safety Code §115922 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act, as amended by SB 442 effective Jan. 1, 2018), which requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention features when a permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool/spa at a single-family home. The isolation-enclosure option (HSC §115923) requires: minimum 60" height; maximum 2" gap between bottom of fence and grade; gaps that will not pass a 4" sphere; an outside surface free of handholds/footholds usable by a child under 5; and gates that open away from the pool with self-closing/self-latching hardware mounted at least 60" above grade. Removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, paired with a self-closing/self-latching key-lockable gate, is an accepted alternative.
Failure to install or maintain a compliant barrier is a building code violation enforceable through Permit Sonoma and city code enforcement. Final inspection will not be signed off without a compliant barrier or alternate two-feature combination. Civil liability under California's attractive nuisance doctrine is also a risk for unprotected pools.
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