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

Sutter County enforces the state Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920-115929) through the Building Division, which adopts the 2022 California Building and Residential Codes under Chapter 1300 of the County Code. Under Section 115922, when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention features, including an isolating enclosure meeting Section 115923, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing self-latching lockable gate, an approved safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access, a self-closing self-latching device at least 54 inches above the floor on access doors, or a certified pool water alarm.

Section 115923 requires a qualifying enclosure to be at least 60 inches high with no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom, no openings that pass a 4-inch sphere, no climbable handholds or footholds, and gates that open away from the pool and self-latch at least 60 inches above the ground. The local building official must inspect the safety features before final approval.