Ventura, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 60 inches above grade
- Max clearance to grade
- 2 inches
- Max clearance above pool structure
- 4 inches
- Max vertical member spacing
- 1 3/4 inches
- Horizontal member spacing trigger
- Under 45 inches apart
Summary
Ventura's Building Code amendments require every residential swimming pool to be completely enclosed by a barrier. Municipal Code Section 12.115.020(A)(34) sets the barrier at least 60 inches above grade, caps the ground clearance at 2 inches, and limits vertical member spacing to 1 3/4 inches.
3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier (fence) in addition to the requirements of 3109.2. 3109.3.1 Barrier height and clearances. For residential swimming pools, the top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches (1524 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches (50.8 mm) measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. ... 3109.3.2 Closely spaced horizontal member. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between the vertical members shall not be greater than 1 3/4 inches (44mm) in width.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-008, passed May 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
2 requirements. The top of the barrier must sit at least 60 inches above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool, and the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches. If the pool structure itself rises above grade, the barrier can mount directly on top of it, but the gap between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier cannot exceed 4 inches, or the barrier must reach grade level. Where the barrier mixes horizontal and vertical members and the horizontal members are spaced less than 45 inches apart top to top, the horizontal members must sit on the pool side of the fence, and gaps between vertical members, including any decorative cutouts, cannot exceed 1 3/4 inches.
These sections were adopted with the 2025 California Building Code cycle and apply to every occupancy the CBC covers, meaning any residential lot with a pool, spa or hot tub in the city must meet them before final inspection. 5 for work found deficient after the fact.
Violations & Fines
A pool barrier that falls short of the 60-inch height, exceeds the 2-inch ground clearance, or uses spacing wider than 1 3/4 inches between vertical members fails Building and Safety Division inspection. The Building Official can withhold final approval on the pool permit until the barrier is corrected, and can record a Notice of Non-Compliance against the property under Section 114.5 for unpermitted or noncompliant barrier work discovered later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must a pool fence be in Ventura?
Can the pool structure itself serve as part of the barrier?
How far apart can the fence pickets be spaced?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle fencing & safety requirements.