Swimming pools in Shafter: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Shafter Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Shafter's code says

Shafter code What Shafter's code adds
Pool barrier	No ladder-type, step-type or other climbable design. Applies: The fence, wall or other enclosing structure. § 8.32.010 · code text shall not be of a ladder-type or step-type construction or other design facilitating the climbing thereof by a small child; No openings large enough to let a child in, except doors or gates. Applies: The fence, wall or other enclosing structure. § 8.32.010 · code text and shall have no openings or other means of entrance large enough to admit a child, except by means of doors or gates as hereinafter provided. No ladder-type, step-type or other climbable design. Applies: Gates or doors. § 8.32.020 · code text No such gate or door shall be of ladder-type or step-type construction or other design facilitating the climbing thereof by children. A fence, wall or other structure must fully enclose the water and be kept up to keep small children out. Applies: Water at least 2 feet deep at any point with a surface under 10,000 square feet. § 8.32.010 · code text shall maintain on the premises a fence, wall, or other enclosing structure, which together with its gates and/or doors shall completely enclose such body of water and which shall be designed and constructed so as reasonably to prevent entrance into such closed area and access to such body of water from the outside by small children.
Barrier height	At least 4.5 feet high. Applies: The fence or wall around a pool or other water 2 feet or more deep. § 8.32.010 · code text Such fence, wall or other enclosing structure shall be not less than four and one-half feet in height;
Equipment and alarms	A timer or control must let pool pumps run only in off-peak electric hours, and only as long as needed. § 15.34.070 · code text A time switch or other control mechanism shall be installed as part of a pool water circulation control system that will allow all pumps to be set or programmed to run only during off-peak electric demand period, and for the minimum time necessary to maintain the water in the conditions required by applicable public health standards.
Gates	Self-closing, self-latching devices, at least 4 feet above ground or out of small children's reach. Applies: Locks may replace the devices but must keep the gate or door closed and locked when the water is not in use. § 8.32.020 · code text Each such gate or door shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices, designed for and capable of keeping such gate or door securely closed when not in actual use. At least 4.5 feet high. Applies: Gates or doors in the pool enclosure. § 8.32.020 · code text Each opening in any fence, wall, or other structure enclosing any such body of water shall have and be equipped with a door or gate, which shall be of such width as is required to fill completely such opening and which shall be not less than four and one-half feet in height.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Shafter?

Pools 2 feet or more deep need a non-climbable fence or wall at least 4.5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates or locks.

Swimming pools in Shafter

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What Shafter's code says

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