What are the pool fence and setback rules in Covina?

Covina's code: No middle horizontal rails; top and bottom rails at least 54 inches apart; vertical bars at most 4 inches apart. (§ 8.12.010); Masonry or concrete block walls, solid wood, chain link or ornamental iron; other fencing needs special building department approval. (§ 8.12.010).

Swimming pools in Covina: the local rules

Covina code What Covina's code adds
Pool barrier	No middle horizontal rails; top and bottom rails at least 54 inches apart; vertical bars at most 4 inches apart. § 8.12.010 · code text providing there are not intermediate horizontal members (other than top and bottom rail which shall be a minimum of 54 inches apart) and all vertical members shall not be more than four inches apart. Masonry or concrete block walls, solid wood, chain link or ornamental iron; other fencing needs special building department approval. § 8.12.010 · code text The following materials are approved for fencing: solid masonry or concrete block wall, solid wood fence, chain link fence and ornamental iron fencing One option: removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, with a self-closing, self-latching gate that takes a key lock. Applies: New or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home; an enclosure plus at least 1 other listed feature is required. § 14.05.160 · code text Removable mesh fencing that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
Barrier height	At least 5 feet high. Applies: Applies to the fence or solid structure that completely surrounds the pool, lot or premises. § 8.12.010 · code text a fence or other solid structure not less than five feet in height
Equipment and alarms	One option: exit alarms on home doors that open directly to the pool or spa. Applies: New or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home; an enclosure plus at least 1 other listed feature is required. § 14.05.160 · code text Exit alarms on the private single-family home’s doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa. The exit alarm may cause either an alarm noise or a verbal warning, such as a repeating notification that “the door to the pool is open.” One option: a pool or spa alarm that sounds when someone enters the water, certified to ASTM F2208. Applies: New or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home; an enclosure plus at least 1 other listed feature is required. § 14.05.160 · code text An alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. The alarm shall meet and be independently certified by the ASTM Standard F2208
Gates	Self-closing and self-latching; a latch reachable from outside must be at least 4 feet 10 inches above ground. § 8.12.010 · code text All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device designed to keep and capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use. Such device that is accessible from outside the enclosure shall be a minimum of four feet 10 inches above the ground
Maintenance and empty pools	An unattended, undrained pool is a public nuisance and must be drained immediately. Applies: Applies when the premises are vacated or unoccupied. § 8.12.010 · code text Where there is located upon such lot or premises an unattended, undrained swimming pool and such premises are vacated or unoccupied, such unattended, undrained swimming pool is a public nuisance and shall be immediately drained The pool is a public nuisance and must be drained immediately. Applies: Applies when the water is so dirty, algae-filled or unclear that objects below the surface are not readily visible. § 8.12.010 · code text such swimming pool is a public nuisance and shall be immediately drained by such person in possession of the land
Permit	Building permit; the pool needs an enclosure plus at least 1 other drowning prevention feature, inspected before final approval. Applies: Applies to building a new pool or spa, or remodeling one, at a private single-family home. § 14.05.160 · code text when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home

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