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

California Health & Safety Code 115923 sets the minimum residential pool enclosure standard that applies countywide, including the unincorporated areas of Monterey County. A qualifying enclosure must be at least 60 inches high, have a maximum vertical clearance of 2 inches from the ground to the bottom of the barrier, contain no openings through which a 4-inch sphere can pass, present a non-climbable exterior, and use access gates that open away from the pool and are self-closing with a self-latching device. Under HSC 115922, when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. A compliant isolation enclosure under 115923 is the first of those seven features; the others include removable mesh fencing (ASTM F2286), an approved safety cover (ASTM F1346-23), exit alarms on doors with direct pool access, self-closing/self-latching devices on those doors, a water-detection alarm (ASTM F2208), and other approved equivalent protection. Monterey County's building inspectors verify these features before finalizing the pool permit.