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Swimming pools in Sacramento

Pool fences must be at least 5 feet high with self-latching gates; existing fences of at least 4 feet 6 inches may remain.

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Key points

  • Pool fences: Pool fences must be at least 5 feet high with self-latching gates; existing fences of at least 4 feet 6 inches may remain.

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

What Sacramento's code says

Sacramento code What Sacramento's code adds
Pool barrier
  • The barrier must have no openings, projections or other features that help a child climb.
    § 15.64.070 · code text
    Fences shall be constructed so as not to provide openings or projections or other facilities that would make such fence conducive to climbing by a child.
  • No more than 5 inches between vertical members.
    Applies: Pool fences with vertical members held by top and bottom rails connected to posts.
    § 15.64.070 · code text
    If vertical members are supported by top and bottom rails connected to posts, the space between such vertical members shall not exceed five inches.
Barrier height
  • At least 5 feet high.
    Applies: Fences that fully enclose a pool; existing fences built under earlier codes that are at least 4 feet 6 inches may remain.
    § 15.64.070 · code text
    Such fence shall be a minimum of five feet in height, except that existing fences, installed under previous codes that are a minimum of four feet six inches in height may remain.
  • At least 4 feet 6 inches.
    Applies: Existing pool fences built under earlier codes may remain.
    § 15.64.070 · code text
    Such fence shall be a minimum of five feet in height, except that existing fences, installed under previous codes that are a minimum of four feet six inches in height may remain.
Gates
  • A self-latching device, not reachable from outside the fence, that keeps the gate closed and latched at all times.
    § 15.64.070 · code text
    Such gate shall be equipped with a self-latching device which is not accessible from the outside of the fence and which will keep the gate closed and latched at all times.
Maintenance and empty pools
  • Securely cover the pool when not in use, or fence the area so children cannot reach the pool.
    § 9.16.090 · code text
    Every person in possession of land upon which is situated a swimming pool who fails to either securely cover the pool when it is not in use or to adequately fence the area adjacent so that the pool is made inaccessible to children is guilty of an infraction.
Permit
  • A permit is required to install a pool.
    § 15.64.040 · code text
    Permittee shall be responsible for all relocation of existing water, sewer, electric or gas lines necessitated by installation of a pool. All such work shall be included in the application for a permit to install the pool.
  • If the director requires, plans and design calculations by a licensed civil engineer must be filed with the permit application.
    § 15.64.030 · code text
    When required by the director, plans and design calculations for a pool, prepared by a licensed civil engineer, shall be submitted at the time an application for a permit is filed.
Setback from property lines
  • Farther from any property line, building or structure than the pool's deepest excavation depth.
    Applies: A closer location is allowed with proper surcharge-loading plans or calculations.
    § 15.64.030 · code text
    No swimming pool or similar pool shall be located within a distance less than or equal to the depth of the deepest excavation for such pool from any property line, building or structure (one to one slope).

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Sacramento?

Pool fences must be at least 5 feet high with self-latching gates; existing fences of at least 4 feet 6 inches may remain.

General information, not legal advice.

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