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Swimming pools in Sonoma County

Enclosures at private pools built before June 1, 1998 must be at least 60 inches high, with at most 2 inches under the bottom.

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Key points

  • Pool barriers: Enclosures at private pools built before June 1, 1998 must be at least 60 inches high, with at most 2 inches under the bottom.

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

What Sonoma County's code says

Sonoma County code What Sonoma County's code adds
Pool barrier
  • The outside surface must have no protrusions or cavities that could serve as handholds or footholds.
    Applies: Applies to private pools built before June 1, 1998 that use an enclosure.
    § 7-15 · code text
    An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five (5) years to climb over.
  • No more than 2 inches between the ground and the bottom of the enclosure.
    Applies: Private pools built before June 1, 1998 with an enclosure; single-family pools over 18 inches deep; some spas and facilities excluded.
    § 7-15 · code text
    A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two (2″) inches;
  • Gaps must not let a sphere 4 inches or larger pass through.
    Applies: Private pools built before June 1, 1998 with an enclosure; single-family pools over 18 inches deep; some spas and facilities excluded.
    § 7-15 · code text
    Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four (4″) inches in diameter;
Barrier height
  • At least 60 inches high.
    Applies: Private pools built before June 1, 1998 with an enclosure; single-family pools over 18 inches deep; some spas and facilities excluded.
    § 7-15 · code text
    A minimum height of sixty (60″) inches;
Equipment and alarms
  • Exit alarms must be at least 80 DB, measured 10 feet from the alarm.
    Applies: Applies when home doors opening directly to the pool have exit alarms; single-family pools over 18 inches deep.
    § 7-15 · code text
    the exit alarms shall produce sounds at or exceeding sound pressure of eighty (80) DB at ten (10) feet distance from the alarm emitter.
  • The power safety cover control must be at least 60 inches above the ground or floor.
    Applies: Applies to pools with a power-operated safety cover; single-family pools over 18 inches deep.
    § 7-15 · code text
    the control for the pool cover shall be mounted at least sixty (60) inches above grade or above the floor;
Gates
  • Gates open away from the pool and self-close, with a self-latching device at least 60 inches above ground.
    Applies: Private pools built before June 1, 1998 with an enclosure; single-family pools over 18 inches deep; some spas and facilities excluded.
    § 7-15 · code text
    Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than sixty (60) inches above the ground;
Permit
  • Yes, a building permit; plans must be prepared by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer.
    Applies: Applies to private pools; single-family pools over 18 inches deep; some spas and facilities excluded.
    § 7-15 · code text
    No building permit shall be issued for any private swimming pool, except in compliance with this section and Article 2.5 of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of the California Health and Safety Code

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Sonoma County?

Enclosures at private pools built before June 1, 1998 must be at least 60 inches high, with at most 2 inches under the bottom.

General information, not legal advice.

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