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

For unincorporated Calaveras County, residential pool barriers are set by California state law rather than a separate County code chapter. The County Zoning Code addresses only pool location (5-foot setback under Section 17.16.130) and treats fences and walls as 'subject to applicable requirements of Title 15, Building and Construction.' The County Building Department's permit-exemption list allows 'Fences not over 7 feet high' without a permit, but a pool barrier still must meet the California Swimming Pool Safety Act enforced through the building permit. Under Health and Safety Code Section 115922, when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. The first listed feature is an enclosure (Section 115923) that isolates the pool from the home with a minimum height of 60 inches, a maximum two-inch clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure, gaps that will not pass a four-inch sphere, and gates that open away from the pool and are self-closing with a self-latching device. Other accepted features include ASTM-compliant removable mesh fencing, an approved safety cover, exit alarms on doors, self-latching home doors, or an in-water alarm. Always confirm current barrier details with the County Building Department, which may apply local building-code amendments.