What are the pool fence and setback rules in Riverside?

Riverside's code: Self-closing, self-latching, and able to take a key lock. (Applies to the gate used with the removable mesh fencing option.) (§ 16.06.040); A self-closing, self-latching device with the release at least 54 inches above the floor. (Applies to home doors that open directly to the pool or spa.) (§ 16.06.040).

Swimming pools in Riverside: the local rules

Riverside code What Riverside's code adds
Pool barrier	An enclosure that meets state pool safety rules and separates the pool or spa from the home. Applies: Required for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home, plus at least 1 other listed drowning-prevention feature. § 16.06.040 · code text An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. Removable mesh fencing that meets ASTM F2286. Applies: One drowning-prevention option for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home. § 16.06.040 · 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.
Equipment and alarms	Exit alarms on doors that open directly to the pool or spa; a noise or spoken warning. Applies: One drowning-prevention option for single-family homes. § 16.06.040 · 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." A pool or spa alarm that sounds when someone enters the water, independently certified to ASTM F2208. Applies: One drowning-prevention option for single-family homes. § 16.06.040 · 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 to the ASTM Standard F2208 "Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms,"
Gates	Self-closing, self-latching, and able to take a key lock. Applies: Applies to the gate used with the removable mesh fencing option. § 16.06.040 · 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. A self-closing, self-latching device with the release at least 54 inches above the floor. Applies: Applies to home doors that open directly to the pool or spa. § 16.06.040 · code text A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
Maintenance and empty pools	Barrier changes require bringing the whole barrier up to current standards; routine maintenance and like-for-like repairs are exempt. Applies: Alterations to an existing barrier's structure, access, materials or layout; in-kind replacements that keep its design and operation are also exempt. § 16.06.040 · code text Any alterations affecting an existing swimming pool or spa barrier structure, access points, materials, or configuration shall require that the entire barrier be brought into compliance with the current standards set forth in Subsection A. This requirement does not apply to routine maintenance, like-for-like repairs, or necessary in-kind replacement of existing components that do not change the barrier's design, layout, or method of operation. The whole barrier must be reviewed and upgraded as needed to meet current code. Applies: When 1 or more homes are built, added or converted within or with access to an existing pool or spa area. § 16.06.040 · code text Whenever one or more additional swelling units are constructed, added, or converted within the confines of, or with access to, an existing swimming pool or spa, the entire barrier shall be reviewed and upgraded as necessary to meet current code standards set forth in Subsection A.
Permit	Building permit; the pool needs an isolating enclosure plus at least 1 more listed drowning-prevention feature, inspected before final approval. Applies: Applies to a new or remodeled pool or spa at a private single-family home. § 16.06.040 · code text Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool and/or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool and/or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool and/or spa shall be equipped with item No. 1 of Subsection 115922 (A) and at least one addition item of the following seven drowning prevention features:

Swimming pools in Riverside

What Riverside's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Riverside property

More on building on your lot in Riverside